Ronald David Rossum

Ronald "Ronnie" David ROSSUM was born on 12 Feb 1944 Billings, MT d. March 26, 1972 at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, Horry County, South Carolina. He was the youngest of three children (Doreen S. , Barry G. and Ronald D.) born to Bennett "Ben" Guthorun Rossum and Vivian Catherine Whetston

He attended first through eighth grade at Mohall Public School, Renville County, North Dakota where he began playing basketball. He continued his love for basketball playing at Williston, ND High School where his family had moved. His best friend was Phil Jackson. His senior year they took the State Title as the #1 team.

Ronnie was good enough to perhaps play professional but had an injury in his senior year (1964) that prevented him from playing basketball at the University of North Dakota. Ronnie's roommate, Phil Jackson, went on to play pro and ultimately became the head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Meanwhile after college graduation, Ronnie entered US Air Force at Fargo, ND Mar.17, 1967. He did two successful tours of duty as an Airforce Captain in Vietnam and was shot down three times heroically surviving.

He then returned (1972) to Myrtle Beach Military Base in South Carolina. He died (28 years old) one week after returning from Vietnam. He was still in active service and the cause of his death is unknown.

In 1967, Ronnie was married Ms. Engen in North Dakota the same year he entered the Air Force. They had no children. His family was active members of the Lutheran church in Williston, Williams County, ND.

He is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery - Grand Forks, ND.