Adolph (Al) Rossler
It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Adolph (Al) Rossler aged 82 years of Moose Jaw, SK, on Friday, November 3rd, 2023. Al leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Patricia; children and grandchildren: Kathy (Dale) Wourms, Colman (Kamaya), and Victoria (Sam); Martin (Bonny) Rossler, Tyler Figley, and Matthew; Terri (Shayne) McCaskill, Samantha and Megan; Kelly (Derek) Zbaraschuk, Adam and Sara; sister, Magdeline (Ralph) Zinger; sister-in-law, Marion Sigstad; sister-in-law, Jean (David) Cook; brother-in-law, Nick (Lynda) Thul; sister-in-law, Bonnie (Gary) Goodsman; aunts: Millie Brunner, Emma Beitel, and Hilda Ingjaldson; uncle, Ed Beitel; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Al was born on the farm in Spring Valley, SK in 1941, where he spent his first 14 years. The family relocated to Moose Jaw, and he graduated from St. Louis College. After graduation, he started working at The Saskatchewan Training School (Valley View Center) where he spent the next 36 years as a Psychiatric Nurse, moving through many different roles. Most people that had the pleasure of working with him respected his calm, balanced, but firm approach. After retiring from Valley View, Al became the first Director of Spiritual Care at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital. He also worked at Moose Jaw Funeral Home where he offered comfort to countless families.
Al developed a love of sport dating back to his time playing football at St. Louis College. He channeled this passion into coaching Elk’s minor football, and was a coach when Vanier won their first ever football game. He was an avid bowler and golfer. In his later years, Al remained active by working out at local gyms. He was a lifelong and loyal fan of the Leafs, Riders, and the Green Bay Packers.
Although Al left the farm young, the farm never left Al. He was a steward of the earth, adopting recycling and composting practices before they were popular. He was always ready to lend a hand during seeding and harvest season. He also had a passion for gardening and loved to watch things grow. Gardening was a labor of love and Al took great joy in preserving and sharing the bounty.
Al embraced his faith and made it a part of everything he did. He and Pat attended Lay Formation classes in Regina, SK and liturgical classes in Edmonton, AB. He spent countless hours providing his talents to the church and the community as a whole.
Al had a true-life partnership with his wife Pat and their example taught their children what true marital commitment is. He was a dedicated family man who welcomed his daughter and sons-in-law into the family and loved them unconditionally. He was delighted as each grandchild was born and the family grew. Every family function centered around food, and nothing made him happier than spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family.
Al knew how to take care of people and always found time to volunteer in the community. One of his most cherished events was the Christmas meal for the Mental Health Associations clients in the city. He also coordinated and delivered Meals on Wheels for the Knights of Columbus. Al provided lay services to the residents of The Bentley, Mulberry Estates, and West Park Crossing. He took communion to the sick and shut ins in our community. Al was the recipient of the Canada 150 Award for outstanding contribution to the community.
Al served a variety of positions over several terms on the parish council of St. Joseph’s Church. He always had a welcoming smile and a strong handshake and was known for welcoming newcomers into the church. He supported the orientation of new priests to the parish and thought of many of them as family. During the pandemic, he spearheaded the initiatives to keep services safe for all.
He was a proud member of the Knight of Columbus Father Lawless Council #1534 and gave of himself tirelessly; he organized three provincial conventions in Moose Jaw. He would often be found in the church kitchen heading the pancake breakfasts, the fall supper, and any other event that helped build the faith community. In 2006, the Father Lawless Council 1534 honoured him as the Knight of the Year. Al was very touched when the Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus honored his family as Family of the Year in 2012.
We will miss him but are comforted by the knowledge that he is going home to his Heavenly Father’s house and will be waiting to greet us when it is our turn. This is not goodbye…we will see you later Al.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 1064 3rd Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK. Family and friends who unable to attend may view the service virtually by going to https://youtube.com/live/ZxLz7uru03E. Interment will take place at Sunset Cemetery followed by a lunch and social at the church. A Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home, followed by a time of fellowship. In lieu of flowers, donations in Al’s memory may be made to either the St. Joseph’s Building Fund at http://www.stjosephmj.com/ or the Saskatchewan Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation at https://saskkofc.foundation. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Doreen and I would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this great man. Al was all about family, but still made time to be a servant leader to his community and parish. We know that Pat and her family will find much comfort in the memories and example that Al left for us all! To Al, “Well done good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21 RIP
Al was a kind soul who gave so generously of his time and talents, especially to his parish community of St. Joseph’s. He was almost always the sound person when I brought our Church of Our Lady choir to play for a wedding or funeral. He always wanted to make sure everything was ready and good to go for the liturgy. Whenever we needed the Knights Hall for a function, Al was the man with the keys and instructions. He’d often check in to make sure that everything had gone smoothly and nothing was needed. Thanks Al for being that loyal, committed individual who worked tirelessly for others, especially the church you loved. My deepest sympathy to Al’s friends and family.
So sad to hear the news. Al was the first Spiritual Care Coordinator of our Health Region. He set up the program with the tender care he gave to everything. I followed him as the coordinator in 2000. His gifts made my transition to this ministry a smooth process. Sincere condolences, with an abundance of thanksgiving for his devoted life.
Dear Pat and family; I am so very sorry for your loss. Al was one of a kind – an outstanding person who gave so much.
I was lucky to spend time with Al while he lived at the farm, while living in Moose Jaw, while we played football and while we lived our adult life. He was such an inspiration.
He contributed so much and will be missed. The world was a better place because Al was here.
Uncle Ed
I recall fun times goin to pick saskatoon berries on their property
‘up in the hills’
what a beautiful human being he became
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time.
Kathy and family: sincerest condolences on the loss of Ne Rossler.
Condolence’s Pat & All the Family , Blessings & Prayers to All
Hilda Ingjaldson
Pat and family, my sincere condolences. I know that Al will be missed greatly. Thinking of you during this difficult time. With sympathy.
To the Rossler family, my deepest condolences in your loss. Al was definitely instrumental in establishing the Spiritual Care program for the Health Region in which he was part of my team. A very dedicated and passionate person.
Pat and family. My sincere sympathy for your loss. I worked with Al for quite a few years and always experienced him as a kind, gentle, and loving man. His faith and dedication to the church were remarkable and served as an inspiration to many. I know he will be missed in this life, but I also know that we will be with him again. This is the promise of our Savior that we must hold to in such times. I will be praying for you these days.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Rossler family. Al was a wonderful individual who shared his gifts and talents with all, whether it was at Valley View or helping out with school mass. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Please accept my deepest condolences on Al’s passing. I very much enjoyed working with him when I was Director of Pastoral Care at Providence Hospital and Providence Place. He was a very caring, compassionate and dedicated person both in parish life and spiritual health care.
My most deepest condolences to Al’s Wife and family. Knew him all my life from same home town. Live five houses apart here in Moose Jaw. Admired his yard every time went by I respected Al very much the most kind helpful Caring human I’ve ever known. He helped us so much when parents past he always knew what to say. He was part of planning and the services forever grateful for him being there give support and caring he knew parents very well so just was comfort to me he was part of it thank you Al will remember you in my prayers and life. Rest in peace
Al was a faithful servant of God as well as a dedicated family man. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Pat and family, our deepest condolences on Al’s passing. Cousin Al was a true good person. His love for you and everyone who crossed his path will stand as his legacy. I was able to attend the service via livestream, and the eulogy was absolutely wonderful. You captured his essence and shared it with all of us – just like he did. May he rest in peace, and may you know peace as well.