Willard Gross

Willard Francis Gross was born February 7, 1924, in Wood Lake, MN, the son of Frank and Lydia (Milbradt) Gross. He was raised in Wood Lake and also lived in Flora, IN, Milroy, MN, and finally Lamberton. Willard served with the U.S. Army from November of 1944 until his Honorable Discharge in October of 1946. He was united in marriage to Jeannine Marotzke on September 19, 1948, in Milroy. Willard worked with Lamberton Heating Plumbing for several years and was a volunteer fireman for the City of Lamberton for 20 years. He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the Andrew Peterson American Legion Post #41, and the Masonic Lodge. Willard enjoyed woodworking, gardening, reading and collecting stamps. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Willard Francis Gross died Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at Valley View Manor in Lamberton at the age of 85 years. He is survived by wife Jeannine of Lamberton; children- Bonita and husband Dick Scott of Canyon Lake, TX, Steven Gross of Indianola, IA, and Susan and husband David Truebenbach of Mankato; 6 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and brother-in-law Kenneth and wife Helen Marotzke of Marshall. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; and sister Lucille.