Herbert Lee Gross

Herbert Lee Gross, age 98, who spent most of his life in Portage Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2024, at Oak Park Place, (Baraboo, Wisconsin), surrounded by family. He was a loving father to Gail and Glen Johnson, Nancy Gross and John Stuparits, and Brad and Beverly Gross. He was a beloved Gumpa and Papa to Michael and Erica Palmisano, Sarah Palmisano and Catriona Duncan, Ryan Lee Gross, Bonnie Johnson, Jenna Gross Lawshe and Chase Lawshe, Ben Johnson, Andrew Gross and Caroline West. He was a cherished great-grandfather to Jackson Lee Gross, and Davey and Jack Palmisano. He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews all over the country. He is also survived by his dear cousin Debora Gross Moon and devoted companion Judith Halseth. He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace (Polly) Gross, his parents, four brothers and two sisters.

He was a graduate of both Salem High School (Salem, Ohio), and Mount Union College (Alliance, Ohio). He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan during World War II. He worked for the Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan for 42 years as a medical editor and made many life-long friends from his years working in Ohio and Michigan.

His legacy will be his overwhelming devotion to his family and friends, his boundless positivity, his continuous drive for self improvement and the intentionality and thoughtfulness with which he approached every day. His inquisitive nature, love of story telling and persistent gratitude left a mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A special thanks to the dedicated staff of Oak Park Place who treated him with tremendous love, respect and dignity. Their many kindnesses will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will take place this summer with family on Caswell Beach, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salem High School Association: salemohioalumni.org 330 East State St. Salem, OH 44460 or Summer Outdoor Adventure Club P.O. Box 283, Reedsburg, WI 53959.