Louis Joseph Rosse

Louis Joseph “Joe” Rosse Jr., age 78, of Hugo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Joe was born on April 17, 1948, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the son of Louis and Rachel (Gallo) Rosse Sr. He grew up in Saint Paul and later moved to Mora, Minnesota, where he attended high school before returning to Saint Paul and attending Johnson High School. It was there, as a young man, that Joe met the love of his life, Sandra Hoyt. Their connection was immediate, and their love would become the foundation of a life together. On April 27, 1967, Joe and Sandra eloped in South Dakota, beginning a marriage and family journey that would span nearly six decades.

Joe and Sandra built their home and raised their family in Saint Paul before moving to Hugo in 1988. Joe was a hard worker who was never afraid to roll up his sleeves and get the job done. Over the years, he worked as a roofer and street sweeper before becoming self-employed as a general contractor, owning and operating Rosse Enterprise. He took pride in his work and in being able to provide for the family he loved so deeply.

Those who knew Joe knew he had a fun-loving and spirited personality. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including hunting, fishing, gambling, and riding ATVs; especially his Argo. He had a zest for life and a personality that could fill a room. But beneath all of it was what mattered most to Joe—his family. Everyone knew that his family came first. He loved his daughters with all his heart and took tremendous joy in being a grandfather. His grandchildren held a particularly special place in his heart, and the memories they made together will be treasured for generations to come.

Joe’s life was defined not only by the work he did or the things he enjoyed, but by the people he loved. He leaves behind a family who will carry his stories, his laughter, his spirited nature, and his unwavering love with them always. Though deeply missed, his memory will live on in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to call him Dad, Grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Rachel Rosse Sr.; his beloved wife, Sandra; and his siblings, Tina Thompson, Carol Fairbanks, Gloria Moody, and Dan Rosse.

He will be deeply missed by his daughters, Fran Rosse Laurent, Shannon (Tim) Curry, and Melissa (John) Bier; grandchildren, Marissa, Hailey, Wynter, John, Joseph, Brooklyn, and Jacob; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Joe leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will forever know just how much they meant to him. His love for them was at the center of everything—and that love will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held from 5:00-9:00 p.m., Thursday, October 15, 2026 at the American Legion, 5383 140th Street North, Hugo, Minnesota 55038