Ross Florand

Ross was born in Austin, MN on July 21, 1950 to Marvin and Dorothy Florand. They moved to Rochester, MN in 1958. Ross graduated from John Marshall High School in 1968. He joined his first band in junior high school. His love for music was apparent to all those who surrounded him. He started playing “gigs” prior to having a driver’s license and his parents would drive him to their shows.


Ross was married to January Karst on Feb 22, 1993. Ross has played in several bands through the years and enjoyed his passion for entertaining people. He was currently employed as the bass player for the Killer Hayseeds. The Killer Hayseeds were inducted into the MN Music Hall of Fame in 2007. Ross especially enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, his boats, sharing his music and working in the yard.


Ross was blessed to not only have his immediate family, but the Killer Hayseeds family as well. Life was too short for him due to heart problems. As Todd Ernster stated during these last difficult days, “It is ironic that someone with that big of a heart to have heart disease.” Ross was always ready with a warm smile…a kind word…or a big hug.


He is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Russell Cavaco. He is survived by his wife January and their children Nikki and Connor; sister Jean Cavaco; her children Taryn (Wesley) Crawford and Jonathon Cavaco.


Ross will be missed greatly, may the music play on.


A Celebration of His Life will be held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, July 13, 2009 at Maranatha Assembly of God Church, 24799 Forest Boulevard, Forest Lake, MN. The family will greet friends from 5 PM until time of service. Memorials may be directed to the family.