Obituary: Donald B. Gross
Donald B. Gross, age 90, of Wonewoc, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born August 9, 1930 to Bernard and Meta (Wolf) Gross of Hillsboro. He graduated from the Hillsboro High School in 1948.
Don was united in marriage to Annette J. Backeberg at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wonewoc on September 18, 1954. This union was blessed with four children: Joanne, Thomas, Mary, and Dale.
At the age of 12, he purchased his first three registered Holstein calves. A lifelong passion of breeding registered Holstein cattle and dairy farming began and continued for 45 years. At age 21, he became a lifetime member of the Holstein Friesian Association of America. He was a member of the Sauk County Holstein Association for many years. Don helped develop the very successful calf club project. He was also a member of the Wisconsin Dairies Board of Directors for a number of years.
Don served on several school boards including 22 years as Clerk and President for the Wonewoc-Center School District until 1983. He was involved as a 4-H leader for the Sauk County Woodland Country Kids for many years. For 22 years, Don served on the board of directors at the State Bank of Wonewoc. After retiring from farming, he enjoyed working as a licensed real estate agent for 14 years.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and dartball, as well as many travel adventures. Another highlight was time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Annette of Wonewoc; four children: Joanne (John) Blum of Hudson, Thomas (Bonnie) Gross of Reedsburg, Mary (Jeffrey) Weigel of Platteville and Dale (Kristine) Gross of Hutchinson, MN; 15 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Gross; 3 nieces and 2 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John, and sister, Eleanor (Johnson) Svacina.
Private Family Funeral Services were held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wonewoc on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Jacob Limpert and Rev. Peter Snyder officiating. Burial was in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.
The Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com.
