Michael L. Gross

December 10, 1953 — March 29, 2025

Michael Gross

Service Details

Michael Lester Gross, age 71, passed away Saturday, March 29, 2025.

Michael was born December 10, 1953, in Renton, Washington to Richard and Betty (Graham) Gross. He earned his nursing degree from Rochester, Minnesota and worked for Mayo Clinic Hospital - St. Marys Campus. He then moved his family to Urbandale, Iowa where he became a firefighter and EMT, working for Mercy Medical Center. Michael then transitioned to the Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office where he was a lead investigator for 15 years. Michael was known to drive around in his Chevy Suburban with Polk County colors, always wearing a fedora. He worked many high-profile cases and was respected within the First Responder community. He loved being of service to others.

Michael liked cooking in his free time and was known as an excellent cook. He enjoyed watching cooking shows every Saturday morning. Michael loved singing karaoke when the opportunity arose and was a great singer. He also liked to fish when he could. He was a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan and loved watching their games. One of his favorite things to do was to go to the acreage for the 4th of July to celebrate and spend time with family.

He is survived by his wife of almost 34 years, Glenda Gross of West Des Moines; daughter, Jennifer (Jesse Kluesner) Jackson of Des Moines; grandchildren, Katelynn (Mark) Douglass, Cortney (Joe) Spray, Derek Gross, Brayden Wright, and Ashleigh Wright; great-grandchildren, Kalani Wright and Emersyn Spray; brothers, Dennis (Lori) Gross of Creston and Rick (Gina) Gross of Villages, FL; sister-in-law, Gloria Parsons of West Des Moines; brothers-in-law, George (Sarah) Parsons of Redwood City, CA and Jason (Renee) Parsons of Urbandale; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his son, Nathan and daughter-in-law, Kimberly Gross; parents, Richard and Betty Gross; mothers- and fathers-in-law, Wilma and Phillip Jones and Betsy and George Parsons; and his dogs, Gomer and Brody.

Cremation will occur and there will be a private family burial at Avon Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Friends of Iowa PBS Foundation in loving memory of Michael.

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