CW3 Ross Leon Kaiser, a man of many talents and full of adventure, passed away in Fort Campbell, Tennessee at the age of 67 on October 3, 2024. He was born on January 12, 1957, in Keosauqua, Iowa to Craig and Velma Kaiser, and grew up working on the farms with his parents, his five brothers, and his one sister. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the army where he worked his way up the ranks and eventually became a founding member of the 160th Special Operations Aviations Regiment (SOAR). In his time with the 160th, he worked on helicopters all over the world while serving his country and becoming an American Patriot. After he retired in 1998, he began working for Cruz Associates as a helicopter contractor and also began driving truck for Hudsons Logistics, where he remained employed for the remainder of his life.
In addition to his love of helicopters and his country, Ross also loved the rodeo. He spent over forty years helping put on the Double D Rodeo in Toledo, Iowa. The rodeo grounds were Ross’ happiest place, and the first weekend in August was always his favorite time of year. From wrangling bulls, to judging the goat dressing competition, to being the Grand Marshall in 2021, to eating scotcheroos and Mary’s cherries while drinking a cold Coors Banquet, he had the best time with his best friends every single year.
Ross also loved his motorcycle. His ‘08 Road Glide took him on many adventure exploring all the back roads of Kentucky and Tennessee, and also took him on many memorial rides. Every year, he rode in the Night Stalkers Brotherhood Motorcycle Club Remembrance Ride for Memorial Day and was also an avid participant in the Crusin’ for Mike rides across Iowa and Wisconsin.
Above any other love he had in life, he loved his family the most. He loved his wife Denise, and his three children, Gabe, Jesi, and DeLaney, and five grandchildren, Grace, Lila, Abbi, Jonathan, and Gorden. They were the light of his life. Every accomplishment they made was all he could talk about for the coming weeks, and everyone who knew him knew that they took up his whole world.
In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Ross is survived by his sister Carla and four brothers, Steve, Paul, Roger and Bill.
The world is a bit dimmer with Ross’ light gone, but Heaven is a much brighter place to have his spirit. Those who loved him know that he’s now picking guitar, singing classic country and classic rock, and smiling down on us. He’d tell us not to cry and to remember his spirit and carry it with us every day to remind us just how loved we are.
Joining him in Heaven, in addition to his parents, is his maternal grandparents, Homer and Lilly Hunter; paternal grandparents, Herman and Olive Kaiser; and one brother, Mike Kaiser.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Easter Seals of Iowa: Attn: Online Giving Coordinator, 401 N.E. 66th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313
Visitation for Ross Kaiser will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Morgan’s Funeral Home.
Memorial services will follow at 2:00 PM at Morgan’s Funeral Home with Bro. Bobby Noel and Gabe Kaiser officiating.
Morgan’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
