Valerian (Larry Or V.J.) Rossi

Valerian "Larry or V.J." Rossi 84, Wausau, died Saturday December 4, 2010 at Marywood Convalescent Center, Wausau. He was born December 19, 1925, in the town of Cassel, son of the late Santo and Eva (Kawaleski) Rossi. On November 16, 1946, he married Joyce Derbick at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau. She survives. Larry served his country during World War II with the US Navy and was stationed in New Guinea. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Burns Post No. 388, Wausau. The Rossi's retired as owners of Baeseman's Shoe and Clothing Store in 1986. Prior to that Larry was a supervisor for Peter's Meat Products. He was a Charter member of the Church of St. Anne, Wausau and had been involved as an usher, communion distributor and with their St. Thomas More Club. In the business community, Larry gave of his time through the West Side Businessman's Association and the Wausau Planning Commission. He was a member of the Third Degree Knights of Columbus, George Schreier Council No. 1069 and the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Pere Rene Menard General Assembly. Among his favorite pastimes were, hunting, fishing, camping, making maple syrup, gardening, four-wheeling and bowling in the KC League. Above all, the devotion and passion in his life was for his family--they were always first in his life. Survivors include his wife, Joyce Rossi, Wausau, seven children, Judy Rossi, Minocqua, Terry (Kate) Rossi, Springfield, Ill., Debbie (Jim) Tellekson, Wisconsin Rapids, Tim Rossi, Merrill, Tom Rossi, Wausau, Mary (Al) Nordstrom, Marathon, Julie (Gary) Basden, Wood River, Ill., eight grandchildren, Lisa (Jon) Ottoson, Mike (Stacey) Lewandowski, Dominic (Meri) Rossi, Liz Rossi, Kristin (Nick) Larsen, Jason (Karly) Tellekson, Brandon Rossi, Chelsea Rossi, seven great grandchildren, Megan & Ellie Ottoson, Layla Lewandowski, Tahara & Taylor Rossi, Jordan & Keira Tellekson and one sister, Lorraine Kortbein, Wausau. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Gary Rossi, a son-in-law, Lance Smith, and one brother, Edwin Rossi . The funeral mass will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. Thursday December 9, 2010 at the Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Steven Brice will preside. Entombment will be in Holy Angels Mausoleum, St. Michael Cemetery, Wausau, where full military honors will be conducted by members of the VFW. Friends may call on Weds. from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Marywood for the loving, compassionate care given to Larry.