Herbert Rossol was born on April 25, 1926 in Gros-Gorshen, West Prussia (Poland). He died on July 7, 2024 in Roseville. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Thusnelda (Nelda) Rossol (nee Schwandt), one sister, Helga Heath, children: Tabea Edith (Edie) Duggins (Scott), Martin Rossol (Jennifer), and Ernie Rossol (Janine), along with 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Elfrieda Rossol, brothers Paul, Richard, Harold, Roland and sister Wally Raese, his great-grandson Samuel Stricklen, and his best friend, Paul Preisler.
Herbert lived in Poland (West Prussia) until he was drafted into the German army in 1944. By God’s grace, he never had to shoot at another human being. While riding in a supply convoy, he was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge and taken prisoner by the British as the German forces retreated. He was hospitalized for nearly three years, the first year or so as a POW in England, where he first learned to speak and read English with the Bible as his textbook. His war injury left him permanently disabled in his right arm.
In 1949, Herbert’s uncle, Edward Russell, who had immigrated to the U.S. and built a successful construction business in the Detroit area, sponsored 19 immediate and close family to immigrate to the USA. Having experienced life under the Nazis, Herbert especially loved the United States of America and the liberty we enjoy. He proposed by mail (twice) to the love of his life, Nelda, and she followed him to Michigan in late 1951. They were married in Gladwin Michigan on May 3, 1952.
Herbert and Nelda joined Connor Avenue Baptist Church which became Ridgemont Baptist Church of East Detroit (and later Hope Community Baptist Church of Sterling Hts.). Herbert was very active at Ridgemont/Hope, serving as custodian for many years, teaching adult Sunday School, serving as a member and sometimes chair of the Deacon Board, and singing in the Male Choir. Perhaps most significantly, his job as custodian gave him the flexibility to regularly visit the elderly and shut-ins, which he faithfully continued for many decades. He epitomized the heart of a servant, never looking to draw attention to himself.
Visitation for Herbert will take place on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road in Clinton Township. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 11:00 am at Hope Community Baptist Church, 42259 Hayes Road in Sterling Heights. Friends may visit the church on Thursday beginning at 10:00 am.
In memory of Herbert, donations are appreciated to BEE World, 990 Pinon Ranch View STE 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 or online at www.beeworld.org
