Final Salute

Ross Merle Winn

June 17, 1944-July 26, 2026

If you ever ran into Ross Winn, chances are you walked away with a new friend and a good story. Ross never met a stranger in his 82 years, and he had a rare gift for striking up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. On July 26, 2026, Ross passed away in Omaha, Nebraska, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, service, and unwavering devotion to the family and friends he loved.

Born in Red Oak, Iowa, on June 17, 1944, Ross grew up in Council Bluffs and proudly ran track and played football for Abraham Lincoln High School. After high school, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Navy and deploying to Vietnam. His love for his country and military service ran deep; after active duty, he continued serving in the Navy Reserve as a Seabee and spent many years honoring fellow veterans as a proud member of the VFW Honor Guard.

When he returned to civilian life, Ross spent his entire career with the telephone company, where he retired as a dedicated Telephone Pioneer.

Out of all the ranks and titles Ross held, “Dad,” “Grandpa,” and “Great-Grandpa” were easily his favorites. Nothing brought him more joy than his family – especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. An adventurer at heart, Ross loved to travel, making lifelong friends everywhere his journeys took him.

Back home, Ross was as big a Cornhusker fan as they come. A Nebraska Football season ticket holder for decades, he cheered just as loudly for Nebraska Volleyball and Baseball. Whether at the stadium or watching from home, he was always ready to talk Huskers.

In recent years, Ross found a new community of friends as a resident of Immanuel Village. It didn’t take long for him to embrace his new home and become a member of the Welcoming Committee, where his warmth and jovial personality welcomed new residents and visitors alike. It was there that he met a new adventure partner in Mary Ann Boles. Together, they embraced his new passion of helping local high school students working at the Village through a scholarship program which he ardently supported and helped grow.

Ross was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Winn; his father, Ross R. Winn; his mother, Viola (Wram) Winn; and his brothers, Raymond, Curtis, and Larry Winn.

He leaves behind a family who will dearly miss his stories and warmth: his sister, Cynthia Hinkel; his daughters, Jana Herbert and Dana Winn; his sons, Bryan Winn (Dana) and Mark Winn (Kerrie); along with his cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless family and friends across the country.

VISITATION: Sunday August 2, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 PM at Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler West Center Chapel, Omaha, 68124.

FUNERAL: Monday August 3, 2026, 11:00 AM at First Central Congregational Church, 421 S. 36th St., Omaha, 68131.

INTERMENT, Calvary Cemetery, 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Immanuel Village Scholarship Fund.

To view live broadcasts of the services, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com