Donald L. Gross

Don was preceded in death by his father, Henry Gross; mother, Emma (Mann); brothers, Harold (Martha), Fredrick (Fritz)(Betty), Norman (Edith), and Leroy; sister Doris (Gene) Blackford.

Don is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dolores (Maurer); children, Julie (Kevin) Claus, Sally (Kelly) Gross, Sarah (Pete) Crozier, Rich (Jennifer) Gross; grandchildren, Brian (Liz) Claus, Lauren Claus, Adam Claus, Sammy Crozier, Maggie Crozier, Gavin Crozier, Tess Crozier, Donald Gross, and Jack Gross; granddogs, Sandy, Payton, Margo, Toby, and Dash.

Don was a member of Advent Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH, and previously St. Paul Lutheran Church in Botkins, OH and Grace Lutheran Church in Jackson Center, OH.

As a member of the Navy during WWII, 1944 to 1946, Don was stationed on Guam working in the supply depot office. After the war, Don returned to his hometown of Jackson Center, OH and began working at Art Sprague's locker plant where one of his duties was scooping ice cream, something he enjoyed his entire life. From 1948 to 1964 he worked for Farm Bureau moving from local to state responsibilities. In 1964 he began working at Provico, Inc. in Botkins, OH as an office manager, retiring in 1991. In 2003 Don and Dolores moved to Columbus, OH to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Throughout the years Don gave 13 gallons of blood and gave platelets 190 times. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion and VFW. He was active in the Botkins Community Club, bowling leagues, church choirs, Sunday school teacher, and various offices on church councils. He loved attending the activities of his children and grandchildren.

A few of his families cherished memories are his ability to fall asleep within minutes of sitting down, no matter how uncomfortable the chair; serving grandchildren ice cream for breakfast; being the "toy fairy" who put away any toys we left out.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. until time of his memorial service at 11 a.m. at Advent Lutheran Church, 3660 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43220. A luncheon will follow. A graveside service will be held at New Loramie Valley Cemetery on 25A near Botkins, OH, at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Advent Lutheran Church, 3660 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43220 and St. Paul Lutheran Church, 301 E. State St, Botkins, OH 45306. Family has entrusted SCHOEDINEGR NORTHWEST CHAPEL with final arrangements.