Wilma Gross, 87, of Napoleon, ND, passed away May 19, 2023 at the Napoleon Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Napoleon. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Burial will be held at St. Philip Neri Cemetery, Napoleon.  A livestream of Wilma's funeral service will be available on the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church Facebook page or St Philip Neri Napoleon YouTube page.

Wilma Gross, daughter of Joe & Alvina (Buchholz) Sperle was born June 30,1935 in Logan County. She went to country school for one year, then attended Napoleon Public School. She earned a teaching certificate at Valley City and taught country school. Wilma also worked at the Logan County courthouse. Wilma married Alfred Gross on October 17, 1955, at St. Phillip Neri Catholic Church in Napoleon ND. They made their home on the family farm 13 miles south of Napoleon where they farmed and raised 8 children. They retired in 1991 and moved to Napoleon.

Wilma's gentle, kindhearted nature was so apparent to anyone who knew her. Her warm, beautiful smile and zest for life was a gift she shared with everyone. She was fun loving and always had a sparkle in her eye. She was patient, loving, caring, hardworking, and present to her family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wilma could be found in her kitchen cooking, baking, and canning or outside in her garden, or yard tending to her flowers. She always had time for whomever she encountered, especially her family. Wilma's faith was a big part of her as she leaned on the Lord, being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, Aunt, and friend. She was an avid Imperial fan seldom missing a school event or sporting activity to cheer on her kids and grandkids. In the evenings, she enjoyed sitting with Alfred cross-stitching, giving many away as gifts. Wilma was a member of the Christian Mothers, attended Al-Anon and liked cooking and attending the women's night at the Napoleon Golf Club.

Wilma is survived by four sons, Alfred Gross Jr., Ellendale , ND Valentine Gross, Streeter, ND; Stephen (Lori) Gross, Napoleon, ND and Donald Gross, Napoleon, ND; three daughters, Pamela Gross, Wilton, ND; Ellene (Raphael) Brendel, Napoleon, ND and Jacqueline (Jess) Friesz Mandan, ND; 24 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred, one son, Timothy Gross, one grandson, Michael Gross, her parents, 1 brother, 9 half brothers 8 half sisters.