Ralph Edward Gross

Ralph Edward Gross obituary

Ralph Edward Gross

Ralph Gross Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 17 to Jan. 18, 2010.
Gross, Ralph Edward 66, of St. Louis Park, MN, passed away on January 16, 2010, after a short illness. Ralph was born on July 20, 1943 to Margaret T. and Ralph J. Gross in St. Cloud, MN. Ralph is a graduate of Preston High School and St. John's University, Collegeville. Throughout his life he remained a loyal supporter of St. John's. He did advanced studies in business and accounting at the University of Minnesota and later qualified as a CPA. He began his professional career at Arthur Anderson Accounting and continued as comptroller at SPS Companies. In 1989 he became part owner of SPS and, in 1999, president and CEO. In 2009, he relinquished his ownership to the employees as an ESOP venture. He was also treasurer and board member of the Embassy Group, a trade organization consisting of the premier plumbing companies and vendors. Ralph will be greatly missed by his six siblings, Michael L. (Paula), Lois A. (John) Rogers, Thomas C. (Mary), Roger H. (Mary Dunnavan), Stephen J. (Ann Borman), and Mary E. Gross (John Koehler), and 18 nieces and nephews. Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society. Private interment St. John's University. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010 at 12:00 noon at the Church of St. Albert the Great, 2836 33rd Ave. S., Mpls, MN. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Ralph Gross's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 24, 2011

Sammi Grossman posted to the memorial.

January 14, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.

January 29, 2010

Someone posted to the memorial.

Sammi Grossman

August 24, 2011

I remember meeting Ralph. We went to hear jazz at The Point in Golden Valley....Magic! What a sad loss!

January 14, 2011

I was saddened to learn of Ralph"s death today, more than a year after his passing. I had received a mailing from Saint John's and noticed that a deceased sign was next to his name. We had not kept in contact since we graduated in 1965 but he was a very good friend during our 4 years at SJU.In fact we roomed together the last three years. He was a gentle man and a gentleman in every sense of the word. I was a history major and of course Ralph was an econ/accounting major. He even convinced me to take a basic econ class from the incompoarable Martin Scrieber OSB for which I was forever grateful. In fact in my last year(2008) of teaching at Lourdes High School in Rochester I initiated an Econ course for seniors. This had been a goal of mine for years. So Ralph lives on in that sense. I will also remember that Ralph was so outstanding in Accounting that his test would be thrown out of the mix and the next highest score would begin the curve. Nobody, and I mean nobody, was in his league. While I have thought of him often over the past 45 years I never took the effort to contact him. I will have to wait until we meet upstairs where I am sure he has moved to the fore if there is any accounting with the Good Lord. Peace to all of you , especially family members, as you continue to mourn your loss.

Peace,


Jerry Hrabe

January 29, 2010

I used to answer the phone at sps companies and there is one thing i can remember all the time see ralph coming up the steps always happy and a smile on his face. he was the nice and sweet person that i work for my thought and prays go out to his family

Mary Iten

January 25, 2010

Words of sympathy cannot express my thoughts and wishes for your loss. To read the tributes of others about Ralph, my dear cousin, makes me joyful, but yet sad that I did not know his humbleness and generosity. I hope in his dying I can lead a more genuine life.

Charlie Greenman

January 21, 2010

Roger,Mary and all of Ralph's family, We are sorry for your sudden loss of Ralph who clearly has a terrific smile and I suspect a good sense of humor.Please accept our condolences. Charlie Greenman and Bonnie Mullligan

Dennis Ritchie

January 20, 2010

I met Ralph at Arthur Andersen in 1967 and have worked with Ralph, been fishing with Ralph and traveled with Ralph. I have never had a better friend. He was the most humble person I have ever met, even though he had a very gifted intellect. We always had tons of laughs together and he made me feel good. I am very lucky to have many great memories of Ralph to carry with me.

My sympathy and best wishes to his family.

January 20, 2010

I enjoyed working with Ralph in the short time that I did and the events that we attended for mutual friends together. He will be truly missed! Work will not be the same with out him!

Jqy Werst

January 19, 2010

I enjoyed every opportunity to work with Ralph at Embassy Meetings. He was a gentleman and a leader in the best sense of those words. All of us who knew and respected him as a colleague and friend will miss him. It was a distinct pleasure to have known him and worked with him.

John Dockter

January 19, 2010

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

John Dockter

January 19, 2010

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

AUTUMN ROSSOW

January 19, 2010

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. WE WILL MISS SEEING HIM COME IN FOR HIS TEA AND VISIT IN THE MORNINGS.

Bob and Linda Carlson

January 19, 2010

I have know Ralph since 1967 when we started together at Arthur Andersen & Co. We roomed together for a couple years. The fun and excitement we shared were many.
When I married Linda, Ralph was the best man in our wedding. "Best Man" is a perfect description for Ralph. He was courteous, considerate of everyone, generous, kind to all and extremely intelligent. We grew apart as the years passed with families,business, and location taking us in different directions. Linda and I are in Florida now.
We want the family to know that we are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of Ralph. We know he is in good favor with God and has entered Heaven. Love to all the family.
Bob and Linda Carlson Estero, Florida ( [email protected])

Bob McKnight

January 19, 2010

I took a deep breath when saw that Ralph had passed away. I remember laughing so much with him when we were in school. I remember riding around Preston and hanging out. (He made it an art form). I've thought about him often over the years and regret I didn't contact him. My sympathies and a greeting to his family.

January 18, 2010

I worked with Ralph through both great and difficult times. He was always an honorable gentlemen and I am sorry to learn of his passing.

Dave Rouse

Wendy Dale

January 18, 2010

I am so sorry to hear about Ralph's passing. I worked for him for 8 years at SPS and he was always very caring towards all of his employees. He was a fine man.

goerge warner

January 18, 2010

To the Gross family
I had the opportunity to work with Ralph while I was with the Employers Association - Ralph was always a gentlemen and truly interested in the success of the company and was very caring of all the employees
I am sadto learn he has passed away - I shall remember him in my prayers -

Sheila Hill

January 18, 2010

I am saddened by the news of Ralph's passing. I looked up to Ralph and his vast knowledge in the business industry. He was a humble man and cared so much about his family. He and I would walk on some afternoons and he would share stories with me about his mother and college experiences. I will miss Ralph very much, but know that he is at peace up in heaven.

Peace and Love,

Sheila Hill

Bob Tibor

January 18, 2010

To the family of Ralph Gross:
The passing of Ralph at a time when he was going to enjoy his family and retirement is not something anyone could predict. His mission here with us was over and he was called home. I was very fortunate to be inspired by a very humble business man. He always made you feel comfortable around him and treated everyone as equal. He had great trust in his employees and would help guide us in his own way by his wisdom. He will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with your families.

Ed Myslivecek

January 18, 2010

To All the Family Gross,

I have known Ralph for over 20 years. He, a man of not many words, had influenced my career in the industry he chose to become a leader. His stoic mannerisms and selfless discussions of which I attened many are trademarks of Christ's teaching in humility. Never did Ralph take the head seat in any meeting or dinner. We traveled together going to many a meeting for our Embassy meetings. I would set up the flights and accomodations, he would go along with whatever I got him. Even one time when we drove to MSP and walked to the gate with bags in tow only to find that our seats were not on the flight just out the jetway, but on the nexts day's flight did I really appreciate his demeanor. As we rode back to the office his quietness and solemnity was etheral as my embarrassment grew. We did get on the correct flight the next day and went to a successful meeting. Never, was a word spoken about that, except by me.

My love for Ralph grew as I understood better his way of dealing with people. I could see the effects of his upbringing and Christian roots always at the forefront.

I know he did not enjoy making personel decisions that would disrupt a person's employ at SPS as I experienced first hand. But as best he could, he did, and went ahead with his passion to keep all afloat for the betterment of all.

Bottom line: spoke not much, thought thorough thoughts with good business sense with the hightest of ethical standards and has left a legacy for all of us to uphold

I believe when Jesus comes, Ralph will be brought into heaven with God's arms outreached for him.

I certainly will miss you Ralph. As much for not only a mentor, but as I hope, a friend.

Sasha Walker

January 18, 2010

To the family of Ralph Gross:
Your family is in my prayers. Ralph was a very kind and smart person; I am honored to have met him in my lifetime.

January 18, 2010

To the family of Ralph Gross:
Your Dad and Uncle was always one of the first people you would look for while attending our Embassy meetings. His smile and friendly dispositon helped to make our meetings enjoyable. We will miss him.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Don Maloney
Coburn Supply Company, Inc.
Beaumont, TX
(Embassy Member)

Steve Setzler

January 18, 2010

Lois and John , you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Mr. Setz

liam rogers

January 17, 2010

I have not seen Ralph for a long time, but he was a good part of my family. I used to see him a lot at holidays. I was very sad when i heard Ralph died. I never knew he was so sick. I will miss him a lot. :{

Ludwig Gartner

January 17, 2010

Dear Mike, Lois et al.

Judith joins me in sending our condolences. Ralph and I crossed paths from time to time in Minneapolis. Ralph had a great laugh and the usual complement of Gross smarts. He was fun to be with. Loss of a sibling reinforces our own intimations of mortality and somehow life will never be the same with even one empty chair at the table.

Barbara Schenk (ITEN)

January 17, 2010

To the Gross and extended family. My deepest regrets on the loss of "Butch". Although I never really got to know him very well, I am sadden to hear of his sudden illness, and loss of life.

Barb

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

Make a Donation
in Ralph Gross's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support Ralph's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Ralph Gross's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Ralph Gross's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 24, 2011

Sammi Grossman posted to the memorial.

January 14, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.

January 29, 2010

Someone posted to the memorial.