Mike Gross

John Michael Gross, more affectionally known as Mike, was born on July 18, 1937, in West Point, Nebraska, to William and Frances (Surber) Gross. He was baptized and later confirmed his faith as a Catholic. Mike grew up in Wisner, Nebraska, as the middle child of 13 children. He graduated from Wisner High School and then served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957 as a seaman apprentice.

Following his military service, Mike returned to Wisner and worked as the parts manager at Sandal Chevrolet from 1958 to 1964. On May 28, 1960, he was united in marriage to Donna Rose at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wisner, Nebraska. They were blessed with three daughters, Anne, Mary Ellen and Kathleen. Mike worked for Cushing Construction from 1964 to 1967, removing telephone exchanges. The family then moved to Arcadia, Iowa, where he worked at Denison Auto Supply from 1967 to 1974. In 1974, Mike began working at Wells Blue Bunny, where he remained until his retirement in 1993. Following retirement, he continued working part time, driving the pallet truck at WESCO Industries.

Mike enjoyed being outdoors, especially when fishing. He also enjoyed visiting various casinos. During his time at Silver Ridge, he found great enjoyment in feeding the birds and squirrels and watching them outside his window. Mike cherished memories made with his family.

Mike passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 89 years, three months and seven days. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna Gross; son-in-law, John Bexten; brothers: William, Leo, Dominic, Jerry, Pat and John; and sisters: Rita and Cathy.

He is survived by his daughters: Anne (Kevin) Jeschke of Chillicothe, Missouri, Mary Ellen Bexten of Manilla and Kathleen Leitru (Galen Jesme) of Merrill; grandchildren: Ben Jeschke, Kristen (Jeff) Eller, Tyler (Ashley) Jeschke, Brett (Lauren) Jeschke, Tim (Mallori) Bexten, Mike (Cassie) Bexten, Beth (Matt) Alexander, Amy (Matt) Blackwell, Ryan (Holly) Leitru, Brandon (Melissa) Leitru and Carley (Devin) Henderson; 24 great-grandchildren and one on the way; siblings: Elizabeth (Leonard) Jindra of Norfolk, Nebraska, Bridget McNiff of Beatrice, Nebraska and Steve (Deb) Gross of Wayne, Nebraska; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison. Interment will be held in the St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Denison. The family will direct memorials.