Lon Emerald Rossiter

Lon Emerald Rossiter, 98, of Spencer, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2021, at Spencer Hospital. He was born on February 1, 1923, to Burt and Alora Pearle (Manning) in Spencer, Iowa.

Lon was a kind and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He began his interest in farming as a member of 4-H. He raised and showed swine and beef at the Clay County Fair. He witnessed agricultural progress over his many years; from horse-drawn implements to modern tractors and combines with computerized operations. He worked in farming for the vast majority of his life. Lon was extremely proud of his family heritage, particularly when the Rossiter farm was honored as a Century Farm in 2012.

     One of his favorite pastimes was gardening and sharing his delicious sweet corn and asparagus with family, friends and neighbors. Lon also was a very familiar face to many at local auctions. As a young man, he volunteered at the Spencer Gliding School located at the Spencer Airport. He assisted in starting the propellers on the planes prior to takeoff. The planes would pull the craft in the air so the glider pilots could practice landing techniques.

     On February 14, 1956, Lon married Mary Louise Mehan. They lived in the city of Spencer for six years before moving to the Rossiter homestead two miles west of Spencer. Lon and Mary Lou were blessed with four sons.

     Lon loved his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments.  This was evidenced by the numerous photos and letters he kept close. 

Lon was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Lou; two sons, Larry and Loren; and one brother Donald.

     Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Leo (Colette) Rossiter of Spencer and Lyle (Colleen) Rossiter of Westside; daughter-in-law Laura (Steven) Beckett of Baraboo, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth (Brett) Faine, Emily (Riley) Monahan, Erin (Nick Quinones) Rossiter, Evan (Mallory) Rossiter, David (Ivy Blummer) Rossiter, Hannah (Eric) Heiman, and Joseph Rossiter; nine great-grandchildren, Stella, Henrik, Graham, Brooks, Brody, Cohen, Shae, Huxley and Ellee; one brother Roger of Worthington, Minn.; other relatives and many friends.

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