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BORN
1960
DIED
2016
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Michael Kross Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Kross
Tom getting ready for prom
Stella Yagnisis Ashen
December 26, 2017
Our one-year anniversary
Stella Yagnisis Ashen
December 26, 2017
December 26, 2017
Dear Mrs. Kross, Tom, Ruth, Gina, Lulu, and families,
I'm so sorry about Mike (Kev told me when we recently re-connected). I've written and re-written this note at least a dozen times. Can't seem to find the right words... I guess that's impossible, when no words can make things right.
Though it's been a very long time since I've seen Mike, I still have many fond memories of him. We became friends through Wendy's, and then we became much more. Mike was my first serious boyfriend... my prom date... my first love. We had many great times together, most of which began with one of us taking the Belmont bus. Along with the "usual dating activities" (like bowling, movies, & even Old Chicago), I distinctly remember us playing Scrabble at your house with your Dad (can't remember who won, but I doubt I ever beat either of those brainiacs ;)
I remember Mike as brilliant, kind-hearted, funny, intense, hard-working, and always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and family. Here are a few photos from our time together (late 70's, early 80s). These pictures remind me of many happy memories with Mike; hope they do the same for you.
Sincerely,
Stella Yagnisis Ashen
Kross Family Fun
Gina
April 14, 2017
Margaret McCalla
January 23, 2017
Very Sorry for your loss. I did not know
Mike well, but worked with him
at Bell Labs/AT&T briefly. He was a kind,
hardworking and kind human being.
so much magic and loss
L
January 20, 2017
Sunday Night Bowling...Who we Got!
Peterson's
January 17, 2017
Mikeee.....I miss you! Just had to add a photo
Ruth
January 16, 2017
Patricia Barron
January 15, 2017
I have been a customer and colleague of Mike for several years. He was very much admired and appreciated for his contributions to our work efforts. He will be missed.
ken mstthies
January 13, 2017
Sorry to learn of another WHS, Class of '78 alumni passing. My condolences to his family.
Irvan Krantzler
January 13, 2017
I knew Mike from bowling Nationals but was unaware of his struggles. My heart goes out to his loved ones. He was a kind man, a smart man, and someone who I always enjoyed being around. May everyone's memories of Mike be happy ones.
Sue Burkwald
January 12, 2017
To Mikeee's family,
I am so sorry about the loss of Mike. He was a very dear friend with an extremely tender heart hidden under a tough exterior. He told me once in one of those deep conversations, to which he was prone, that he would do anything for me if I needed help. Though I never had to take him up on it, I know with 100% certainty that if I had needed it, he would have gone to the ends of the earth to try to help. That is who he was, a very loyal friend. I can not believe he is no longer with us and I am certain he is only now seeing how much he meant to us all. I sincerely hope that you find comfort and peace in the wonderful sentiments that folks are leaving on this page. Know that he was an extremely smart, sharp witted, loyal, loving and awesome person. I miss him.
Peace to us all as we grieve his passing.
With my utmost sincerity,
Sue Burkwald
Gerard Mitrenga
January 10, 2017
Please accept my sincerest condolences. I remember Michael Tom and me sharing soo many memories. Both him and Tom taught me to play golf,(I don't if I should thank him for that). We had great memories especially when we went to heyward Wisconsin musky fishing didn't catch much fish, but great memories! So sorry.
Gerry Mitrenga
Troy Volin
January 9, 2017
I offer my sincere condolences on Mike's passing. I only started working with him a few months ago, but I enjoyed his directness, insight, and wit. He will be missed by those of us lucky enough to have worked with him.
Jim Montgomery
January 9, 2017
My deepest sympathys
mIchael will always be rembered as a good friend and bowling partner
He will be missed
My prayers and may God bless
Naresh Nayar
January 9, 2017
My deepest sympathy for the Kross family. Mike was a very valuable member of the team and will be missed.
God bless.
Pat Brown
January 8, 2017
My sincere condolences to Mikee!s Family he was a funny person. I worked with him at Bell Labs and IBM . He was always very supportive when asked for help. He will be missed. May your memories warm your heart. My prayers to you and yours.
Oliver Raff
January 8, 2017
Dear Kross Family,
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mike. I worked with him for the past three years and was fortunate enough to meet him several times in Germany and in various places in the US. He was a great colleague and team mate, smart and clever, always supportive. More than work I will remember the great conversations we had about wine and so many other topics.
I will truly miss him.
Lorene Steffes
January 7, 2017
I know Mike from when we worked together at AT&T Bell Labs in Naperville. I remember his fun-loving nature and classy professionalism.
My deepest sympathy to Mike's family on this loss.
January 7, 2017
Weather he knew it or not, Mikeee was one of my mentors at BL. From the time I joined the group I saw him as someone I wanted to emulate, both professionally and personally. My favorite memory was when he would lay on the floor during group meetings to help is aching back. Nobody thought twice about it, that was just Mikeee. Thanks for schooling me on fine red wines, my friend. You'll always be remembered.
Bill McGovern
January 7, 2017
I worked with Mike for many years between Bell Labs and IBM, I also bowled with him. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family
Denise McAuliff-Trapp
Karen W. Owen
January 7, 2017
In the brief time I was fortunate to work with Mike I found him to be very bright, very friendly and a wonderful colleague. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.
Sue Greene (Vicini)
January 7, 2017
I met Mikeee at Bell Labs, just before he left for his OYOC (grad school), and had the pleasure of working and playing with him for many years. Along with bowling, skiing, and wine tasting memories, one of my favorite times was when a group of about 20 women took Mikeee to the "Pacific Club" to celebrate his 25th birthday! Thanks for so many wonderful memories, Mikeee. You truly were one of the best. Rest easy, my friend.
Steven Engelstad
January 6, 2017
Sincerest condolences to Mike's family. Mike and I joined AT&T Bell Labs together in 1982. We shared many good times together of which I have many fond memories; ski trips, bowling league, golf outings, and passion for fine wine. He will be dearly missed.
Joe DeJohns
January 6, 2017
My thoughts and prayer go out in full force to the Kross family. Older people advise younger people seeking their first job, to avoid working in fast food. My experience working at Wendy's was the complete opposite outcome of that advice. It not only acquainted me with my lovely wife and mother of my four children, but also acquainted me with the Kross family. I could dive into the crazy stories that Mike, Tom (along with their counterbalance) Mike and Kevin OD did but then you probably never eat at a Wendy's again! Mike from the start was strikingly smart. Great taste in music which we talked about often. Both he and his brother Tom (along with Keven and Mike OD) will always have a place in my heart as great friends. I pray for the Kross family during this difficult time. Tom if you need a listening ear please seek me out on FB or LinkedIn, I am a good listener. Best Wishes Joe and Laura DeJohns
Dan Marples
January 6, 2017
Sincere Condolences.. We worked together off and on over the years, always enjoying our time together. Our thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Dan
Cristian Ferreira
January 6, 2017
Thanks for everything Mike.
My sincerest condolences to the Kross family.
Cris
Gomes D
January 5, 2017
I met Mike in Rochester last year. He was just a great person. May his soul rest at peace. My deepest condolences to his family.
- Gomes D, Bangalore, India
David Klein
January 4, 2017
I met Mike early in our careers at Bell Labs (mid-80's). I had a few unofficial mentors and he was one of them; a great one. His advice was always terse, to the point, and usually spot on. Condolences to all his family and friends.
Grant Dittmer
January 4, 2017
To Mike's family, I worked with Mike for years at IBM and he became a good friend. We spent a lot of time laughing together and to this day, i can still hear his laugh. I will never look at a bowling ball without thinking of him. Though I was not a bowler, I knew it was something that he really enjoyed. Our last trip together was spent in NY, where we spent a Saturday visiting music stores. I got him to try an upright bass and almost talked him into buying it. We laughed at the thought of him trying to get it on the plane. He was a great guy and I miss him already.
Kevin Baisley
January 3, 2017
To the Kross Family, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and Mike's circle of friends. I spoke with Mike several months ago when I was trying to get one of his former co-workers placed in a new role. Mike was always a stand up guy. I fondly remember the days of working with Mikee at IBM. He really knew his stuff and was a top performer in any of the roles he was assigned.
We spent many hours / nights working down at the Data Center in Down Town Chicago for a former bank that we worked together for whilst at IBM. We had a lot of great conversations back those days.
Thanks Mike for those great memories and may you be at peace for your next journey
Kevin
January 3, 2017
To the Kross family, I just heard about the loss of Mike and I want to express my sympathy's to all of you. Having Known Mike I must to let you know how much I will miss him as he had a big impact on me. He was an amazing, funny and sensitive person to know and he told me many times how much he cared about his family. All of you are in my prayers.
Joan Thomas
January 3, 2017
To the Kross Family,
I just heard about the loss of Michael. I was deeply saddened by your loss. He was a great childhood friend and St. William and Weber High School classmate. I will keep him and you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and God Bless
Brian M. Shanahan
Pamela Shappell
January 3, 2017
I met a lot of the Kross family at Mikes father's funeral. I still remember the love I saw and felt he had for his Mom.
So many memories rush to my head of Mike. Of course there's bowling! His love for wine and his awesome wine cellar. As a matter of fact, my husband was just telling folks about his funny wine tasting story over Christmas. He had the very first wide screen, surround sound theatre set up that I ever experienced, including all his light blocking curtains. Sitting in his office on countless occasions picking his brain or just BS-ing. I used to always chuckle at how wound up he'd get On projects! But he always came through! He was my Intel idol! His bald head! And that chuckle....
My sincerest condolences to the Kross family. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Michael Redding
January 2, 2017
I worked with Mike at the end of my career at IBM in 2011 and 2012. I remember him as a technical wizard and an engaging guy. I am very sad to hear this news.
Dave Vance
January 2, 2017
My condolences and prayers to all of Mike's family and loved ones. His loss is felt deeply by the many people at IBM who were honored to work with him and the better for having known Mike.
Randy & Maria Tanksley
January 2, 2017
May your memories of Mike help to sustain you at this most difficult time. We worked with him at Bell Labs...We will always remember how awesome of team player he was and his bowling stories...RIP Mike and continue making that noise in heaven bowling with the best!
Susanne Vogel
January 1, 2017
Our love to the Kross family
David Lasaine
December 31, 2016
My prayers go out to Michael and the Kross family. I will remember him as a generous giving caring person doing things to see other people smile. It is sad he left so soon, he is now at peace under the watchful eye of Jesus Christ.
Shelly Zito -Deligio
December 30, 2016
Kross family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I went to St. Williams school with Michael.
Bob Bruno
December 30, 2016
Dear Kross family,
My condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with you at this time. I had the fortunate opportunity to work closely with Mike on the same projects for a few years at IBM. Mike was a strong technical leader and was always willing to roll his sleeves up and help out. A few years passed where we were not working together, then I was very happy when he and I ended up in the same department last year as I knew that I had a friend there. He will be missed.
- Bob Bruno
Lynne Rodman
December 30, 2016
Tom, Joe and Family,
I am saddened to hear of your beloved Michael's passing. Please know that you are in my heart and on my mind during this difficult time.
Robert Kirk
December 30, 2016
My most heartfelt condolences to the Kross family. I worked with Mike at IBM and although we never had a chance to meet in-person, we spoke nearly every day...about work and life. The things I'll remember most about Mike are his tenacity for what he believed was right and his awesome sense of humor. Mike was much more than a colleague, he was and will always be a friend.
-Robert
Shirley Pitts
December 30, 2016
To the Kross Family, my deepest sympathy to the family. Mike was my teammate for many years and we bowled on the same team in 3 leagues for over 20 years and my lefty. Our team was an eating team, we bowled, ate and enjoyed good times. My lefty friend will greatly be missed. I truly understand your pain but just remember, God knows, you may not understand the reason but just trust in him. When I wanted his attention, I called him Michael and he would just say, yes, how may I help you and with a smile. May he rest in peace.
Marlin and Michaeleen Arnholz
December 30, 2016
Dear Kross Family, We would like to express our deepest sympathy during this very difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Orest Panchuk
December 30, 2016
My condolences to the entire Kross family.
Bob Bruno
December 30, 2016
Dear Kross family,
I am so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. A few years back I had the opportunity to work very closely with Mike as teammates. We spent multiple occasions preparing for and working disaster recovery exercises at IBM's Sterling Forest, NY site. In addition to being highly skilled, Mike was a great teammate. Mike was always willing to roll up his sleeves and help the team out. I very much enjoyed the time that we spent together. I was very happy last year when Mike and I ended up in the same department with the same manager. It made me feel a lot better about the new team knowing that I already had a friend on the team. Mike was very well respected among his peers. My condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to you.
- Bob Bruno
JoAnn Reifel
December 30, 2016
Dear Kross Family,
My deepest sympathy at the loss of Michael. I golfed many times with Mike as part of the ASGA group. He was always fun to be around, a joy to play golf with, and like me never took the game to seriously. He will truly be missed by all.
My prayers for your family.
Jennifer Bell
December 30, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked closely with Mike as a core member of my team at IBM for the past 5 years. He was extremely intelligent, worked hard and championed always doing what was right. He was held in the highest regard by his colleagues and his customers and always gave us a good laugh with his quick wit. I am deeply saddened by his passing. He will truly be greatly missed.
My prayers to his entire family,
Jennifer Bell
IBM Senior Project Executive
Sandy Grelitsch-Arens
December 30, 2016
Kross Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I was a classmate of his all through grade school at St. Williams. My deepest sympathy to all of you and to remember his memories of laughter, love and a life well lived.
You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Sandy Grelitsch Arens
cathy hill
December 29, 2016
Dear Kross family,
So saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I enjoyed playing golf with him many times over the past few years as part of ASGA. He had great hats, a drive that could go forever, and such a kind personality. So often, I would show up to play and find we were paired together and were both wearing bright pink shirts. I always enjoyed time spent with him.
I will miss him and keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Best,
Cathy Hill
December 29, 2016
To the entire Kross family...We are so deeply sorry for the loss of Mike...what a nice guy...he will surely be missed....our deepest sympathies to your whole family. Praying for peace and comfort and strength now and in the days ahead. Chris, Sue, John and David (Anish)
Ileana Essig
December 29, 2016
Dear Kross Family -
Mike worked for me for a few years on the Allianz Life Account. I was always impressed with his level of knowledge and dedication to our success. While I did not know him outside of work, I sincerely enjoyed working with him and know he will be missed by many both personally and professionally. My prayers are with your family at this very difficult time.
Jeff Preble
December 29, 2016
Kross family, I am so sorry for your loss. I can tell you that Mike was HIGHLY respected and very well liked by the whole IBM team that has been working with him these past years. He will be deeply and sincerely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike Morris
December 29, 2016
To the Mike Kross family, I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Mike and my greatest memory was Mike's ability to recall details of meetings & designs from previous years. He was a great architect and has helped me in many ways over the past 7 years. He will be sorely missed.
Dennis Lancaster
December 29, 2016
Mike will be greatly missed by his friends and coworkers at IBM. I only met him this past August on calls, and not in person. Yet I felt right away he was a very intelligent and dedicated professional at work. I counted on his knowledge and expertise, which will be irreplaceable.
More importantly, he was always helpful and going out of his way to ensure IBM and customer success.
He was the best Chief Architect I have worked with in 18 years at IBM, and I am glad that I told him that a few weeks ago. He appreciated the sentiments, and I hope he truly knew these were not just my words, but the opinions and thoughts of so many others.
Prayers for the family at this difficult time. Know that you will be reunited with Mike some day, as that is Gods promise for grace and hope.
Wishing you all peace at this time,
The Lancaster Family
Terry Hackett
December 29, 2016
The Kross Family,
I worked with Mike at IBM for many years. He was a very detailed man who like to write books for notes. He was extremely smart and always tried to do right in all that he did. He would fly into Minneapolis and always stop by telling me hello. I'm grateful he is at peace but so sorry he is no longer with us. I know you have and hope you will remember all of the good times with Mike. I'm sure there were so many.
Brandy
December 29, 2016
All my conversations with Michael were so nice. I enjoyed meeting him , he is a very sweet man. Alwawys had nice things to say.
Brandy from Dr Dzakovich office
Lillian Leopold
December 29, 2016
Mrs. Kross, Ruth, Gina, Lulu, Tom, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for all of you during this heart-breaking time. May God bring you strength. All my love, Lillian Leopold
Arron & Gina Clayton
December 29, 2016
Mike was our bowling teammate for many years, in addition to a great friend! We considered him family. We will sure miss seeing him on Friday nights. He will truly be missed! We know that he is now amongst the bowling Gods showing off his lefty skills on the lanes. Mike, and his family, will remain in our thoughts and in our prayers. Mike, may you Rest in Peace and forever in our hearts.
Levi and Joyce Peterson
December 28, 2016
To the Kross family please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike was part of our Bowling family for the past 30 years, 15 of those years had become one of our closet and dearest friend,he will be missed. Rest in peace Mike.
Kevin O'Donnell
December 28, 2016
I will miss meeting Mike for dinner. We would talk about the things that made for good fellowship family, job, women, and the like. He had fiercely bright eyes like those of a child and a curiosity about everything. I always looked forward to seeing Mike. When we saw each other he would say Howdy Kev and when it was time to go he would say Peace out or something like that. We were friends for 40 years, and Mike meant a lot to me. He still does. Peace out my friend. Kevin
December 28, 2016
Our deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire Kross family. May Michael's soul be at peace with our Heavenly Father, and may you receive comfort and peace knowing you are deep in our hearts and prayers.
~The Gendron family
Sue Danielson
December 28, 2016
I worked with Mike at IBM for the better part of the last 8 years. He was smart, funny and often troubled. Now that he is gone, I wish I would have done more to encourage him. I am very sad and sorry for your loss.
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