Ross Eugene Browning

Ross Eugene Browning, of Rochester, Minn passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 1, 2015, in Peoria, AZ. He was 90 years old. Ross was born in Vermont, Ill., on October 14, 1924, to Reverend Alva T. Browning and Anna (Boston) Browning. He grew up in various communities in Illinois and Iowa, where he was an active football player and wrestler, until his family moved to Rochester in 1941. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1943 and attended Rochester Junior College. Ross married Elizabeth (Betty) Schellin on October 21, 1945. They were members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. He worked at OConnors Mens Wear and was later elected Rochester City Treasurer. After four years, Ross was elected Olmsted County auditor, where he served for 27 years. He retired in 1984 and moved to Arizona in 1989. Ross was active in his community for many years.He served in the Boy Scouts program for 29 years, attended two national jamborees and served on the Eagle Board of Review.He was a member of many Rochester organizations, including the YMCA, the Rochester Mustang Hockey Association, Rochester AF and AM Lodge, the Rochester Area Shrine Club, and the Rochester Exchange Club. He also served on many of their boards of directors. He was president of the Minnesota State Association of County Auditors in 1969 and was named outstanding county auditor in 1983. After retirement, he served as president of the Sun City Club in Arizona. Ross deeply loved his family and always made time to create special memories. He had a quick smile, a positive outlook on life and enjoyed hunting, fishing, jewelry making, and many other hobbies. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Betty; two daughters, Jolene Browning and Jena (Tom) Townsend; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Libby (Bill) Rahn, Andrew Ace(Ellen) Browning, Ryan (Jennina) Townsend and Sara Townsend; and six great-grandchildren, Will, Sam and Nick Rahn, Abigail and Summer Browning and Micah Townsend. He was preceded in death by his son Rande Allen Browning and grandson Eddie Comartin IV; two brothers, Elmer Richard and Robert; and three sisters, Marjorie Theel, Ruby Brent and Marilyn Engler. Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m.on Saturday, October 24, 2015,at Ranfranz Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, Minn. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Rochester, MN. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com