David Gross

David John Gross age 70, dearly beloved Husband and father went home to be with the Lord on November 9, 2024. He was born in the town of Webster, South Dakota on September 11, 1954, to the late John and Dorey Gross. David is survived by his wife Barbara of 38 years, stepson Alan and his brothers and sisters, Cindy (Paul, deceased), Sheryl (Rick), Kathy (Steve), Nancy (Laine), Dan (Montana), Doug (Laurie) and numerous nieces and nephews.

David was the oldest son and grew up in a happy home with his siblings on the farm but milking cows before school was not one of his favorite things. Yet chores must be done. On the weekends, time was spent with visits from Aunts and Uncles which allowed lots of playtime with many cousins. David grew up, farming was not his thing and after graduating from High School and briefly attending Bible College, he joined the Military. He served with the US Marine Corps from 1973 to 1977, mainly as a Military Police Officer. After a short break he joined the US Army in 1977 and retired from Service in 1995. His time in the US Army was spent in many different fields. He became a Drill Sergeant, then Infantry Man, finally working closely with the United States Air Force booking training flights. His military career consisted of numerous deployments and duty stations, such as Korea, Sinai, Hawaii, New York, California and South America. He served his Country with pride. David met the love of his life in 1983 and they were married on a Spring Day in 1987. The newlyweds were separated shortly after due to military deployments but love overcomes all and after spending only 3 days at home, he was sent to yet another deployment.

After Military Retirement things settled down and David went to work for the US Postal Service, five years as a Sub and 17 years as a regular Employee. His illness forced him to retire early.

Then there was his favorite station in life. That of a family man. All that you did for our family was beyond reproach. As the head of our household we were always protected and safe. As a husband you were beyond loving and loyal. And as a father you surpassed any expectations and quite honestly set new standards. Thank you Dad for teaching me life’s lessons along the way. I would have never become who I am without your believing in me and setting the example. It was your work ethic that I learned from and duplicated. And it was your impeccable care and empathy for all of nature that truly showed your character.

David loved Horses and he, accompanied by Kooter (Kooti Boy) his dog, could always be found before and after work seeing that the horses were taken care of. The Colorado Mountains were his other playground, as he and Barbara climbed majestic Mountains, hiked many trails and enjoyed the beauty of amazing scenery.

David lived with Parkinson’s disease for the last four years of his life, in addition, he was fighting a rare Brain Disorder for the last year. He battled the disease with the most amazing grace, bravery and strength. He lived every day with positivity and determination, not to let the disease keep him from doing the things he loved and not many saw his struggles.

David, I love you more than words could ever tell. A piece of my heart will forever be missing. There will not be a day that goes by that I will not miss you. I am not sure how to go through life without you but you taught me to never give up and to keep fighting and that is what I will do. I love you with all my heart always and forever.

David will be cremated and laid to rest aside his brothers in arms, with full Military Honors, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Pikes Peak National Cemetery 10545 Drennan Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80925. Followed by Celebration of Life at VFW Post 3917 at 4715 Clearview Dr. Colorado Springs CO 80911.