Milton Rosseland passed away at his home west of Circle on April 22, 2016, at the age of 73. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Kristian Rosseland, he was born in Glendive, Montana on August 13, 1942. Raised on a farm in the Weldon valley west of Circle, he was his father’s right hand from a young age. He attended the Cutting School, built by his grandfather Harold Cutting, from first through eighth grade, and completed high school in Circle. The eyes of the Circle football coach lit up when Milton walked across the stage at eighth grade graduation. His phenomenal physical potential, inherited from his Norwegian ancestors, was easily apparent. He was 6’1” and 200 lbs. He became a four year all-star fullback for the Circle Wildcats and was virtually unstoppable on the field. Butch Logan would hand him the ball, and he would take it through the line. He went on to play for two years for the Montana State College (now MSU) Bobcats, where his teammates christened him “Thud.” There would be a “thud” when he hit someone, and then a “thud” when they hit the ground. Even so, he made many lifelong friends through playing ball.
After college, Milton served his country in the US Army, attending advanced diesel maintenance school at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. While there, he was badly injured in a car accident, and as a result, his orders for Vietnam were medically cancelled. Instead he served in France and Germany. Upon returning home, he resumed farming with his father. One of his first projects included building a rock-walled barn in Norwegian style with his father. Milton had a God-given ability and love for moving dirt. When he was a sophomore in high school, he borrowed money from the bank for his first tractor and scraper and immediately began doing custom dirt work for the neighbors.
At the Mid-Rivers Christmas dance at the Travelers Inn, he met Wanda Whitmer, the love of his life. On June 12, 1970, they married and settled on Horse Creek, where they were blessed with three wonderful children, Kristi, Jeannie and Ross. Starting with a small farm, they expanded and upgraded their operation over the years. With Wanda working at his side, they constructed dikes, pits, and dams which came to be marveled at by his peers.
Milton treasured his Norwegian family and maintained ties with Norway throughout his life, often hosting aunts, uncles, and cousins in Circle, and visiting Norway with his own family. He was very proud of his children and their scholastic and athletic achievements. When his granddaughters, Skyla and Shania Neubauer, won the state Class A volleyball championship in 2014, he was the proudest grandfather in the stands.
From his youth, Milton provided venison for his family’s table and was an excellent marksman. He learned the game of pinochle on his father’s knee and never lost his love for bidding up the opponent, whether it was his wife, child, grandchild, friend, or foe. He didn’t miss an auction sale and delighted in finding a bargain. He loved to take his GTO, and later his motorcycle, out for a very fast drive. He was never without a dog. His last thought was of caring for and protecting his wife and family. He will be greatly missed.
Milton was preceded in death by his infant sons, Milton and David, his father, Kristian Rosseland, and his sister Bonnie Rosseland.
Milton is survived by his wife, Wanda, his children, Kristi (Sishir) Sekaran, Jeannie (Kenneth Hamilton) Rosseland and Ross (Jodi Reza) Rosseland, grandchildren Scott (Jessica) Campbell, Skyla Neubauer, Shania Neubauer, and Samantha Sekaran.
Memorials may be sent to the Circle Booster Club, Circle High School.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery in Circle with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Circle is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Marilyn Hilkemann says
Dear Wanda,
I’m praying for you and your family during this very difficult time. Even though I lost my husband recently, I can’t say that I completely understand your pain. May the Lord hold you in His arms of love and give you special grace. Look to Him to help heal the pain, and give you strength to face each new day with its challenges. I know He will help you if you look to Him. I’m sending you a hug through the internet–hopefully I can do that in person soon. Love & prayers, Marilyn
Louise Twitchell says
Thinking of you all
Betty Day says
Wanda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Betty
Dorinda Wilhelm says
Wanda and family,
My heart hurts for your loss. I pray you can feel God’s comfort and peace as you walk through the days ahead. You are in our prayers.
Dorinda and Mike
Garth Sime says
Dear Wanda & family, we are so sadden to hear of your recent loss! May God bless you all sincerely, Garth & Carolyn Sime
Kelley Fillenworth says
Kelley Fillenworth Says: Milton and I were classmates at the Cutting School and friends since. Our families were close friends and neighbors. Milton was always willing to share his evergrowing knowledge of how things worked and we spent many days hiking the gumbobutes that were very prominent on his and my family places. He was always willing to help his neighbors no matter what the weather. Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Rosseland Family. The Fillenworths.
Peggy Megs Frezon says
Wanda, I am sending you much love, prayers and asking God to give you strength. Dear Milton will be missed greatly. May God bring you comfort. Luv Megs
Susan Karas says
Dear Wanda, I am asking God to put His arms around you and hold you. My heart goes out to you and I will keep you and your dear family in prayer. May angels be round about you during this difficult time.
Much Love,
Sunny
Edward Grinnan says
“He was never without a dog.” For that alone I love him though I never had the pleasure of meeting him. Wanda, I hope you can find some small comfort in knowing that your beloved Milton is reunited with all his dogs again and all his departed loved ones.
Robert Beason says
Milt, my friend. I certainly will miss you. From cards at our house in town, or handling cows out on your folks place or hunting deer……other things too! My best to Wanda and your entire family…..
Bill Sept says
Milton was a good man. Have fond memories of him at the John Deere coffee get together.
Lorrane Dressler says
Thinking of you all. So so Sorry!
gail hunter (fairview mt) appleton wi says
Jeannie…. my dad called me this morning to let me know of your father’s passing.. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I remember you and Carrie staying with us on the farm for basketball and the stories you would tell at the table about him…. many hugs to you and yours…….
Marilyn Turk says
Wanda, I’m so sorry to hear of your husbands’ passing. May God hold you closely in His arms and comfort you with love and the love of your family and friends.
Love,
Marilyn Turk
Jim & Maureen Stiles says
Dear Wanda, Kristi, Sishir, Samantha; Jeannie, Ken, Scott, Jessica, Skyla, Shania; Ross & Jodi,
We are so sorry to hear of the death of your beloved husband, father, & grandfather, Milton! He was a good friend of ours and we will miss him. Know he was so proud of his family! We always enjoyed visiting with him. Remembering all the fun the guys had playing pinochle when we had the Stockman. May God give you His comfort & strength now & in the days ahead! You are in our thoughts & prayers! Love, Your friends, Jim & Maureen Stiles
colleen hughes says
Thinking of you, Wanda, with prayers for angels to surround you with love. xo, Colleen
Margaret Melrose Maresh says
So sorry to hear about Milt. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol and Gene Markuson says
So sorry to hear of Milton’s passing. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
John & Sharon Ford says
RIP my friend Milton… I only knew you for a short while during our stay in France. You were a friend then and to this day. Wanda, our prayers are with you and the family. Milton, say Hi to our four legged friends at the rainbow bridge. God Bless
Terance Murnion says
Milton was a man of the best kind and a good friend I’ll never forget his big smile and strong handshake our prayers are with you
sedly sue barsness (dyckman) says
Wanda, I remember when Milt met you he was so happy. I have a lot of memories of him pulling into the Dreyer yard at the ranch and his love for his GTO. The man sure loved to drive fast. I could see his dust coming from miles away and hear him to. I am so sorry for your families loss. He left a large hole to fill in your lives. I’m sorry I never got to know your children. God bless you Wanda. Love Sedly Sue Barsness
u4fifa says
Take my word .