Obituary of Kenneth Gross

Kenneth "Dale" Gross, Sr., 77, of Niles, passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Sunday, March 5, 2017. Dale was born on April 25, 1939, to the late Frank Sylvester and Mabel (Covington) Gross in Niles. Dale loved the outdoors and enjoyed a good day's work so it didn't surprise anyone when he began working by the age of 15 for Hunziker Nursery in Niles; he enjoyed it so much it was the only job he had, staying there for over 54 years until his retirement. On November 29, 1958, he wed Rebecca Gipson at a ceremony in Niles. The two had six wonderful children. Dale would help anyone out of a bind; it didn't matter if you were a friend, family member, stranger, or enemy. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of nearly 54 years; six brothers; three sisters; and one grandson, Dustin Kellogg. Dale is survived by his children, Kenneth (Kathleen) Gross, Jr. of Arvada, Colorado, Karen Gross of South Haven, Kathryn Nicodemus of Edwardsburg, Karla Gross of Niles, Kevin Gross of Niles, and Kerry (Heather Roush) Gross of Niles; 15 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many extended friends who all knew Dale as the guy who wore a yellow hard hat. Funeral services will be held at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles on Friday, March 10, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Dale's family C/O Brown Funeral Home at 521 East Main Street, Niles.