Mr. Gross retired from Schnucks Grocery Stores after many years of service. He was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O’Fallon, IL, and was a founding member of Yesterday’s Kids at the church. Francis was also a member of the Swansea American Legion Post 2007 and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus O’Fallon Council 4239. Francis was a Korean War veteran while serving in the U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael M. and Martha, nee Bleem, Gross; three brothers, Paul (Margaret) Gross, Leo (Ethel) Gross, and Milton “Jack” Gross; three sisters, Sr. Marina Gross, ASC, Sr. Mary Martin Gross, ASC, and Florence (Raymond) Bussman.
Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Loretta B., nee Falbe, Gross, whom he married July 15, 1959; two sons, Michael J. (Susan) Gross of Belleville, IL, and John M. (Karen) Gross of Washington, MO; four grandchildren, Ryan (Jennifer) Gross, Nicholas (Amy) Gross, Matthew Gross, and Jacob Gross; two sisters, Sr. Anne Frances Gross, ASC, and Sr. Mildred Gross, ASC; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Gross; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made in the form of masses to St. Nicholas Catholic Church, or to the Adorer’s of the Blood of Christ. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O’Fallon, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O’Fallon, IL, with Msgr. William Hitpas officiating.
Private burial with military honors will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.