Joan Lucille Gross

About Jo

Joan Lucille Gross, 88, of Bemidji, MN and formerly of Victoria, MN died Saturday, November 4, 2023 at her home in Tamarack Court in Bemidji, MN.

Joan “Jo” was born April 6, 1935, in Beatrice, NE to Harold and Lucille (Otto) Griffeth. She married her high school sweetheart Jerry Gross on February 7, 1954 in Beatrice, NE. Soon after Jerry left for military duty in the Navy while Jo continued working in Beatrice until his discharge. They began a family while he attended Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO. and the University of Nebraska to complete his master’s degree in special education. Jerry worked for Martin Luther Home in Beatrice, NE which began their lifetime of working with individuals who have developmental disabilities.

In 1968, Jerry and Jo made the decision to move to Minnesota where there was a job offer from Mount Olivet for a Director position at Rolling Acres in Victoria. They moved to Victoria and fulfilled their life dream of building homes where disabled adults could live as a family by establishing Community Living, Inc. Victoria was home for 30 years while raising their family and enjoying life. Jo and Jerry retired in 1993, moving to Crookneck Lake near Motley.

Jo was a wonderful wife and mother. She was a home maker extraordinaire with housekeeping, cooking, gardening, lawn work, carpentry, sewing, decorating and artistic abilities. We were lucky to have a stay-at-home Mom who was always there when we got home from school, attended our extracurricular activities, chauffeured us to events, and would volunteer to help if needed. Family always came first in our home.

Camping and fishing were both favorite summertime activities our family spent time doing together while visiting most states in the western U.S. and some of Canada. She loved all animals, with birds and dogs topping the list. There was always a dog as part of our family. Having good parents is the best gift you can have in life. We were blessed.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband Jerry Gross, parents Harold and Lucille Griffeth, brother Jerry Griffeth, daughter-in-law Jean Gross and one grandchild. Joan is survived by her children; Tracey (John) Hepola, Tami (Randy) Wenthold, Brian Gross; grandchildren; John Hepola, Jennifer Hepola, Rachel Sedgewick, Brandon (Karah) Gross and 1 greatgrandchild Asher.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Joan’s name to their favorite charity.

memorial service

We are planning a service for Joan in the spring of 2024.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home