Heaven gained a new Saint, John J. Gross passed away Friday morning, January 10th, 2025. He is now dancing a polka with the love of his life, Margaret Gross.  He made his last goal of living to 100 years old.  A life full of faith, family, farming, music, learning, and patriotism.

John was born November 7, 1924, to John M. and Magdalena (Vetter) Gross, the second of 13 children. John grew up on the family farm south of Napoleon, close to St. Anthony Catholic church. He attended country school through the 8th grade.  When he wasn't working on the family farm, he helped neighbors with farm work.  In 1944, John joined the army and boarded a ship to Hawaii and the Philippines. He returned home late in the fall of 1946. On February 3, 1947, John married Margaret Schaffer. They spent the first three years of their married life on the Schaffer farm since Margaret's mother was a widow. Then for the next 6 ½ years they rented a small farm just north of Napoleon.  Finally, in 1955 they found a farm south of Tappen to buy. Over the years, they raised 5 children on their farm.  John was active in the Catholic Church at Tappen, the Knights of Columbus, keeping their township strong and of course the American Legion and the Germans from Russia Society. He also taught several "students" German Folk songs through the Dakota Heritage Foundation.

In 1989 they sold the farm and moved to Napoleon. John became more active in the things he loved: music, the Legion, the Silver Hair Legislature, the Germans from Russia, and people. John loved visiting and getting to know everyone he met. John and Margaret also spent more time traveling. They went to Europe, Japan, and all over the United States.  John loved meeting new people throughout his travels and in his hometown. John was able to do this often as he and Margaret never missed a polka party.

John is survived by his daughters Rosalie (John) Long of Gackle, ND; Bonita Hughes (Anthony) of Aurora, CO; and son Rodney (Virgina) Gross of Jamestown, ND; 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; one sister, Ann Dammel; 6 brothers; Brother Placid, Valentine, Ben, Pius, Isadore, and Leo; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, his parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, daughter Maggie and son-in-law Raymond Johnson, and son John G. Gross. Our hearts are full knowing he is at peace and watching from above. Love you always!

John died January 10, 2025 at the Wentz Living Center at the age of 100. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 17, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Napoleon. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Burial will take place at St. Philip Neri Cemetery in the spring.  A Livestream of John's funeral service will be available on the St. Philip Neri Napoleon You Tube and Facebook Page.