Gross, John G. (1889-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Feb 17 p. 3

Birth date: 1889 May 23

text of obituary:

JOHN G. GROSS

John G. Gross, son of George and Sarah (Hofer) Gross, was born near Olivet, So. Dak. on May 23, 1889, and passed away January 19 at his home, reaching the age of 59 years 7 months and 27 days.

He was united in marriage to Anna Pullman on Dec. 22, 1915, and they established their home on his father’s homestead and farmed there three years. After this they moved to Sully county, in the fall of 1919, and bought a farm seven miles southeast of Onida. They shared the joys and sorrows of life together for 33 years.

In the year 1911 he realized his need of a Saviour and upon his public confession of faith in Christ was baptized by Rev. Paul J. Tschetter and received into the fellowship of the Church. He remained faithful to his profession until death. He willingly served in numerous capacities for many years. He was quiet and reserved, yet never hesitated to take up responsibilities, great or small, that the church or community asked of him. He was a kind and loving husband and father and a very helpful neighbor and friend.

He leaves to mourn his sudden passing his wife, Anna; two sons, Benny of Onida, Sargent Johnny stationed in the Philippine Islands; three daughters, Elizabeth (Mrs. David I. Walter) of Freeman, S. D., Kathryn of Omaha, Nebr., Mary of Mountain Lake, Minn.; one son-in-law; one grandchild; two brothers, George of Spencer, S. D., Joe of Alaska; two sisters, Anna, (Mrs. Mike K. Hofer) of Bridgewater; and many other relatives and friends.

His son Danny preceded him in death as did his two sisters, Susie and Sarah, two brothers, Paul and Jacob, and his parents.

He was interested n church activities and enjoyed teaching in the Sunday school. His two favorite hymns were “Shall We Gather at the River” and “Where We Never Grow Old.”

Mr. Gross had not complained of feeling ill and enjoyed a hearty meal at noon. After dinner he went about his daily chores, at which time he was stricken with a heart attack and passed away suddenly at about one-thirty o’clock.

Medical aid was sought but Mr. Gross’s soul had taken its flight to the better realm. He was prepared to meet his Maker and Saviour as the following words were found in his Bible: “Let us live the way the Lord wants us to live, that we will not miss the train. Let us labor for the Lord, let us keep on the firing line of the Lord. Watch and pray and be ready when the Lord’s train comes in. The Lord is coming back to earth again.” He boarded the heavenly train and embarked the heavenly station seeing his Saviour face to face. A memorial fund in his memory amounted to $140.

Funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church Sunday, Jan. 23, with Rev. Edwin F. Walter officiating. Music was furnished by Rosella Pollman, Maynard and La Vern Hofer.