Kenneth Gross Sr., of Niles
Published 8:31 am Wednesday, March 8, 2017
April 15, 1939 — March 5, 2017
Kenneth “Dale” Gross Sr., 77, of Niles, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2017, at Lakeland Hospital in Niles.
Dale was born 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 more than 54 years until his retirement.
On Nov. 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; his wife of nearly 54 years; six brothers; three sisters; and one grandson, Dustin Kellogg.
Dale is survived by his children, Kenneth Jr. (Kathleen) Gross 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 at 10 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2017, in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Dale’s family c/o Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main St., Niles. Condolences, photos and memories may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Niles.