Derek Wade Rossow was born on October 30, 1978, in Jefferson, to Mark and Mary Rossow. His mother often referred to him as a “little tornado” as he was a very active child. At age 6 he started his participation on swim team. Baseball was another sport he loved, and he was also active in basketball and football.
He attended Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City and Arapahoe Community College in Denver, CO, as well. There he was trained in phlebotomy. He worked as a phlebotomist at hospitals in Denver and Pueblo, CO, Kansas City, MO, and at BioLife Plasma Center in Ames and Ankeny.
He was a member of Ankeny First United Methodist Church and was active in its programs, The Road and Alpha. Derek followed all Hawkeye sports and had recently become a fishing enthusiast. He loved the role of uncle to his nephew Dane. The two of them enjoyed sandy beaches, lakes, swimming pools, playground parks, and water fights.
Derek passed away from a cardiac event at home on March 20, 2021. He was preceded in death by his father, Mark Rossow. Survivors include his mother, Mary Leichsenring (Dale) of Ankeny; brother Aaron Rossow of Kansas City, MO; former sister-in-law Chrissy Rossow and nephew,Dane Rossow, both of Kansas City, MO; aunt, uncles, and cousins.
A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, March 27, at Ferguson Cemetery in Lake View. Memorials are suggested to the Ankeny First United Methodist Church.
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.sliningerschroeder.com.
