Harold Irving Gross

Harold Irving Gross, 92, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2018. Services will be held Thursday, May 10 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with the service at 12:30 p.m. and the visitation prior from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Harold will be laid to rest with military honors at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA at 2:00 p.m. following services.

Harold was a remarkable man with an intense love for his wife and family. He was born in Des Moines, IA on August 27, 1925 to Lydia Gretchen (Foster) and Harry Otis Gross. He graduated from East High School and then attended Drake University to study business. Harold was drafted into the US Army in 1944 and served honorably for 2 years. When he returned home, he married his sweetheart, Marguerite Ellen Terrell on April 6, 1947. The couple settled into married life in Des Moines as Harold attended college to become a certified electrician. Upon graduation he worked for Mercy Medical Center as the Maintenance Supervisor for 47 years and to this day, remains the longest continuous employee.

Harold was a hard-worker, but in his free time he enjoyed traveling, artistic endeavors, gardening and any work with nature. He was a jack of all trades and a master of some. He was a good friend with a kind heart and adored by all. He believed in the motto “pay it forward” and was always available to help. Harold was also a long-time member of Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church. He was a spiritual man with a strong belief and connection to his Master.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marguerite; their children, Norman (Gerda) Gross, Janeen (Sheldon) Woodson, Joann (Terry) Edwards, Dan (Terre) and Paul (Bobbie) Gross; grandchildren, Jennifer (Lucas) Hernandez, Kenneth (Tiffany) Gross, and Michelle Gadbury; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Joselyn, Lucas and Nicholas Hernandez, Tinley Gross, Matthew Gadbury, Devonte Veasley, and Itayzia Houston; his cherished sister, Elizabeth Gross; and numerous other family members and friends. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Gross; and grandson, Jason Veasley.

The family wishes to thank Glen Oaks Care Center for their loving care of Harold and Marguerite.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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