Ross E. Case, age 84, of Watertown, South Dakota, passed away Monday, February 20, 2006 at Sun City West, Arizona.
Interment in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Watertown.
Ross was born December 27th, 1921, in the home of his parents, Howard B. Case and Felice (St. James) Case, at Watertown, South Dakota. Ross attended the Mellette, Immaculate Conception, and Central Grade school for his elementary education, followed by Watertown Junior High and High Schools, graduating in 1939.
Ross attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion from 1940 until his graduation in the fall of 1943, majoring in Journalism. As a member of the ROTC while in college, he went directly to Fort Benning OSC, graduating in 1944 as 2nd Lieutenant. Ross served as a member of the 95th Infantry Division, operating in the European theatre operations, being awarded the Bronze Star, Distinguished Unit Citation, and completing his tour of duty as a First Lieutenant.
In 1948, Ross began working at KWAT-AM Radio, and became its general manager in 1950. He was considered avant garde' for his introduction of the now famous What's Up listener talk show format. The station was expanded to include KWAT-FM in 1968, and he was also named manager of the Midland Cable TV franchise. His career at KWAT ended in 1976 with a changing of station ownership. While affiliated with KWAT, Ross served as President of the South Dakota Broadcaster's Association, was on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), and was finally inducted into the South Dakota Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in 1978. Ross Case became the Industrial Development Director for the City of Watertown in 1977, and by the time he stepped down from that position in 1986, he had introduced 27 new industries to the area, resulting in over 1,000 new jobs.
Ross was an active member of the ELK's fraternal order, serving as Exalted Ruler of Watertown Lodge 1949-1950, President of the State ELK's Association 1957-1958, and acting as the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler 1959-1960. Writing a piece entitled "Comments on Americanism" on October 27, 1965, in response to campus protests regarding U.S. involvement in Vietnam, Ross received the Liberty Bell Award from the Codington County Bar Association for Americanism, the National Freedom Fighters Award in 1966, the Vigilant Patriot's Award: All-American Conference to Combat Communism in Washington, DC, and the American Legion Citation for Meritorious Service in Americanism. In conjunction with his deep feelings on Americanism, he was also a speaker at South Dakota Girl's State for ten years.
Ross was very active in the affairs of Watertown. He was President of the Watertown Chamber of Commerce 1955, US Chamber of Commerce Action Assembly 1967, Chairman Advisory Board of Harmony Hill High School 1967-1972, Chairman of Advisory Board of Lake Area Vocational-Technical Institute, Chairman Steering Committee of Community Development Action Program, Greater SD Association Board of Directors, President of Watertown Area Business Corporation 1976, Secretary of Watertown Development Company from 1977-1986,
Chairman of Watertown's 75th Anniversary Celebration, Co-Chairman of Watertown's Centennial Celebration, Chairman of WHS Class of 1939 20th, 50th Anniversary Reunions, On the Boards of the American Heart Association at the regional, county, and state level, President of Mellette Memorial Association 1988-1990, on the Mellette House Association since 1975, President of the Northeast South Dakota Blood Bank in 1962, on the Board of Directors of Prairie Lakes Health Care Center Foundation and Chairman of Annual Giving Committee, a member of the Board of Directors of St. Ann Corporation, and a volunteer marketing advisor for Benet Place. Ross was involved with various committees associated with community colleges, the American Cancer Society and the American Red Cross. As a result of his active community involvement, Ross Case was named Outstanding Young Man of the Year 1954 for distinguished service, Honorary Chapter Farmer and Honorary State Farmer 1969 for the FFA, and the President's Award from Watertown Chamber of Commerce 1986.
Ross married Anna Marie Fox in 1950 in Watertown, and was preceded by her death in 1973. He married Hazel Ahrens in 1979, who survives him as well as three sons, one daughter, and one step-daughter. David Case (wife Sala) of Kent, WA: Robert Case of Rapid City, SD; Kathy Hardina (husband Kieth) of Watertown, SD; Steve (wife Diane) of Robinsdale, MN; and step-daughter Dawn Peterson (husband Tom) of Orlando, FL. He is further survived by thirteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Interment in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Watertown.
Ross was born December 27th, 1921, in the home of his parents, Howard B. Case and Felice (St. James) Case, at Watertown, South Dakota. Ross attended the Mellette, Immaculate Conception, and Central Grade school for his elementary education, followed by Watertown Junior High and High Schools, graduating in 1939.
Ross attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion from 1940 until his graduation in the fall of 1943, majoring in Journalism. As a member of the ROTC while in college, he went directly to Fort Benning OSC, graduating in 1944 as 2nd Lieutenant. Ross served as a member of the 95th Infantry Division, operating in the European theatre operations, being awarded the Bronze Star, Distinguished Unit Citation, and completing his tour of duty as a First Lieutenant.
In 1948, Ross began working at KWAT-AM Radio, and became its general manager in 1950. He was considered avant garde' for his introduction of the now famous What's Up listener talk show format. The station was expanded to include KWAT-FM in 1968, and he was also named manager of the Midland Cable TV franchise. His career at KWAT ended in 1976 with a changing of station ownership. While affiliated with KWAT, Ross served as President of the South Dakota Broadcaster's Association, was on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), and was finally inducted into the South Dakota Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in 1978. Ross Case became the Industrial Development Director for the City of Watertown in 1977, and by the time he stepped down from that position in 1986, he had introduced 27 new industries to the area, resulting in over 1,000 new jobs.
Ross was an active member of the ELK's fraternal order, serving as Exalted Ruler of Watertown Lodge 1949-1950, President of the State ELK's Association 1957-1958, and acting as the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler 1959-1960. Writing a piece entitled "Comments on Americanism" on October 27, 1965, in response to campus protests regarding U.S. involvement in Vietnam, Ross received the Liberty Bell Award from the Codington County Bar Association for Americanism, the National Freedom Fighters Award in 1966, the Vigilant Patriot's Award: All-American Conference to Combat Communism in Washington, DC, and the American Legion Citation for Meritorious Service in Americanism. In conjunction with his deep feelings on Americanism, he was also a speaker at South Dakota Girl's State for ten years.
Ross was very active in the affairs of Watertown. He was President of the Watertown Chamber of Commerce 1955, US Chamber of Commerce Action Assembly 1967, Chairman Advisory Board of Harmony Hill High School 1967-1972, Chairman of Advisory Board of Lake Area Vocational-Technical Institute, Chairman Steering Committee of Community Development Action Program, Greater SD Association Board of Directors, President of Watertown Area Business Corporation 1976, Secretary of Watertown Development Company from 1977-1986,
Chairman of Watertown's 75th Anniversary Celebration, Co-Chairman of Watertown's Centennial Celebration, Chairman of WHS Class of 1939 20th, 50th Anniversary Reunions, On the Boards of the American Heart Association at the regional, county, and state level, President of Mellette Memorial Association 1988-1990, on the Mellette House Association since 1975, President of the Northeast South Dakota Blood Bank in 1962, on the Board of Directors of Prairie Lakes Health Care Center Foundation and Chairman of Annual Giving Committee, a member of the Board of Directors of St. Ann Corporation, and a volunteer marketing advisor for Benet Place. Ross was involved with various committees associated with community colleges, the American Cancer Society and the American Red Cross. As a result of his active community involvement, Ross Case was named Outstanding Young Man of the Year 1954 for distinguished service, Honorary Chapter Farmer and Honorary State Farmer 1969 for the FFA, and the President's Award from Watertown Chamber of Commerce 1986.
Ross married Anna Marie Fox in 1950 in Watertown, and was preceded by her death in 1973. He married Hazel Ahrens in 1979, who survives him as well as three sons, one daughter, and one step-daughter. David Case (wife Sala) of Kent, WA: Robert Case of Rapid City, SD; Kathy Hardina (husband Kieth) of Watertown, SD; Steve (wife Diane) of Robinsdale, MN; and step-daughter Dawn Peterson (husband Tom) of Orlando, FL. He is further survived by thirteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Ross E. Case, age 84, of Watertown, South Dakota, passed away Monday, February 20, 2006 at Sun City West, Arizona.
Interment in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Watertown.
Ross was born December 27th, 1921, in the home of his parents, Howard B. Case and Felice (St. James) Case, at Watertown, South Dakota. Ross attended the Mellette, Immaculate Conception, and Central Grade school for his elementary education, followed by Watertown Junior High and High Schools, graduating in 1939.
Ross attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion from 1940 until his graduation in the fall of 1943, majoring in Journalism. As a member of the ROTC while in college, he went directly to Fort Benning OSC, graduating in 1944 as 2nd Lieutenant. Ross served as a member of the 95th Infantry Division, operating in the European theatre operations, being awarded the Bronze Star, Distinguished Unit Citation, and completing his tour of duty as a First Lieutenant.
In 1948, Ross began working at KWAT-AM Radio, and became its general manager in 1950. He was considered avant garde' for his introduction of the now famous What's Up listener talk show format. The station was expanded to include KWAT-FM in 1968, and he was also named manager of the Midland Cable TV franchise. His career at KWAT ended in 1976 with a changing of station ownership. While affiliated with KWAT, Ross served as President of the South Dakota Broadcaster's Association, was on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), and was finally inducted into the South Dakota Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in 1978. Ross Case became the Industrial Development Director for the City of Watertown in 1977, and by the time he stepped down from that position in 1986, he had introduced 27 new industries to the area, resulting in over 1,000 new jobs.
Ross was an active member of the ELK's fraternal order, serving as Exalted Ruler of Watertown Lodge 1949-1950, President of the State ELK's Association 1957-1958, and acting as the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler 1959-1960. Writing a piece entitled "Comments on Americanism" on October 27, 1965, in response to campus protests regarding U.S. involvement in Vietnam, Ross received the Liberty Bell Award from the Codington County Bar Association for Americanism, the National Freedom Fighters Award in 1966, the Vigilant Patriot's Award: All-American Conference to Combat Communism in Washington, DC, and the American Legion Citation for Meritorious Service in Americanism. In conjunction with his deep feelings on Americanism, he was also a speaker at South Dakota Girl's State for ten years.
Ross was very active in the affairs of Watertown. He was President of the Watertown Chamber of Commerce 1955, US Chamber of Commerce Action Assembly 1967, Chairman Advisory Board of Harmony Hill High School 1967-1972, Chairman of Advisory Board of Lake Area Vocational-Technical Institute, Chairman Steering Committee of Community Development Action Program, Greater SD Association Board of Directors, President of Watertown Area Business Corporation 1976, Secretary of Watertown Development Company from 1977-1986,
Chairman of Watertown's 75th Anniversary Celebration, Co-Chairman of Watertown's Centennial Celebration, Chairman of WHS Class of 1939 20th, 50th Anniversary Reunions, On the Boards of the American Heart Association at the regional, county, and state level, President of Mellette Memorial Association 1988-1990, on the Mellette House Association since 1975, President of the Northeast South Dakota Blood Bank in 1962, on the Board of Directors of Prairie Lakes Health Care Center Foundation and Chairman of Annual Giving Committee, a member of the Board of Directors of St. Ann Corporation, and a volunteer marketing advisor for Benet Place. Ross was involved with various committees associated with community colleges, the American Cancer Society and the American Red Cross. As a result of his active community involvement, Ross Case was named Outstanding Young Man of the Year 1954 for distinguished service, Honorary Chapter Farmer and Honorary State Farmer 1969 for the FFA, and the President's Award from Watertown Chamber of Commerce 1986.
Ross married Anna Marie Fox in 1950 in Watertown, and was preceded by her death in 1973. He married Hazel Ahrens in 1979, who survives him as well as three sons, one daughter, and one step-daughter. David Case (wife Sala) of Kent, WA: Robert Case of Rapid City, SD; Kathy Hardina (husband Kieth) of Watertown, SD; Steve (wife Diane) of Robinsdale, MN; and step-daughter Dawn Peterson (husband Tom) of Orlando, FL. He is further survived by thirteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Interment in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Watertown.
Ross was born December 27th, 1921, in the home of his parents, Howard B. Case and Felice (St. James) Case, at Watertown, South Dakota. Ross attended the Mellette, Immaculate Conception, and Central Grade school for his elementary education, followed by Watertown Junior High and High Schools, graduating in 1939.
Ross attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion from 1940 until his graduation in the fall of 1943, majoring in Journalism. As a member of the ROTC while in college, he went directly to Fort Benning OSC, graduating in 1944 as 2nd Lieutenant. Ross served as a member of the 95th Infantry Division, operating in the European theatre operations, being awarded the Bronze Star, Distinguished Unit Citation, and completing his tour of duty as a First Lieutenant.
In 1948, Ross began working at KWAT-AM Radio, and became its general manager in 1950. He was considered avant garde' for his introduction of the now famous What's Up listener talk show format. The station was expanded to include KWAT-FM in 1968, and he was also named manager of the Midland Cable TV franchise. His career at KWAT ended in 1976 with a changing of station ownership. While affiliated with KWAT, Ross served as President of the South Dakota Broadcaster's Association, was on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), and was finally inducted into the South Dakota Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in 1978. Ross Case became the Industrial Development Director for the City of Watertown in 1977, and by the time he stepped down from that position in 1986, he had introduced 27 new industries to the area, resulting in over 1,000 new jobs.
Ross was an active member of the ELK's fraternal order, serving as Exalted Ruler of Watertown Lodge 1949-1950, President of the State ELK's Association 1957-1958, and acting as the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler 1959-1960. Writing a piece entitled "Comments on Americanism" on October 27, 1965, in response to campus protests regarding U.S. involvement in Vietnam, Ross received the Liberty Bell Award from the Codington County Bar Association for Americanism, the National Freedom Fighters Award in 1966, the Vigilant Patriot's Award: All-American Conference to Combat Communism in Washington, DC, and the American Legion Citation for Meritorious Service in Americanism. In conjunction with his deep feelings on Americanism, he was also a speaker at South Dakota Girl's State for ten years.
Ross was very active in the affairs of Watertown. He was President of the Watertown Chamber of Commerce 1955, US Chamber of Commerce Action Assembly 1967, Chairman Advisory Board of Harmony Hill High School 1967-1972, Chairman of Advisory Board of Lake Area Vocational-Technical Institute, Chairman Steering Committee of Community Development Action Program, Greater SD Association Board of Directors, President of Watertown Area Business Corporation 1976, Secretary of Watertown Development Company from 1977-1986,
Chairman of Watertown's 75th Anniversary Celebration, Co-Chairman of Watertown's Centennial Celebration, Chairman of WHS Class of 1939 20th, 50th Anniversary Reunions, On the Boards of the American Heart Association at the regional, county, and state level, President of Mellette Memorial Association 1988-1990, on the Mellette House Association since 1975, President of the Northeast South Dakota Blood Bank in 1962, on the Board of Directors of Prairie Lakes Health Care Center Foundation and Chairman of Annual Giving Committee, a member of the Board of Directors of St. Ann Corporation, and a volunteer marketing advisor for Benet Place. Ross was involved with various committees associated with community colleges, the American Cancer Society and the American Red Cross. As a result of his active community involvement, Ross Case was named Outstanding Young Man of the Year 1954 for distinguished service, Honorary Chapter Farmer and Honorary State Farmer 1969 for the FFA, and the President's Award from Watertown Chamber of Commerce 1986.
Ross married Anna Marie Fox in 1950 in Watertown, and was preceded by her death in 1973. He married Hazel Ahrens in 1979, who survives him as well as three sons, one daughter, and one step-daughter. David Case (wife Sala) of Kent, WA: Robert Case of Rapid City, SD; Kathy Hardina (husband Kieth) of Watertown, SD; Steve (wife Diane) of Robinsdale, MN; and step-daughter Dawn Peterson (husband Tom) of Orlando, FL. He is further survived by thirteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
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