Gordon Gross

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Gordon A. Gross on April 12, 2025, at Progressive Care Center in Canon City, CO at the age of 93.
He is survived by his children, Natalie (Kim), Kris (Jeff), Tom, Jenni (Bill), and daughter-in-law Angie (Matt); his grandchildren, Miranda (Augustine), Lindy (Wyatt), Clayton, Jake (Ali), Jim (Miranda), Katelin (Connor), Jack, and Tom; great-grandchildren, Koda, Connor, Jett, Kassie, Ellis, and Beau; and sister, Kitty (Larry). He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn; son, Gerry; parents, Moritz "Opa" and Mildred "Oma"; and brothers, Ronald and Norman.
Gordon was born on April 1, 1932 in Alamosa, CO. As a child, he lived in Canon City, CO, Rocky Ford, CO, Reeseville, WI, Milwaukee, WI, and eventually met his beloved Evelyn in Red Bud, IL. He graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 1957. In 1956, he was the vicar of Trinity Lutheran in Queens, NY where he and Evelyn married. He was the founding pastor of Concordia Lutheran in Houston, TX from 1957-1961. From there the family moved to Memphis, TN where he served as pastor at Immanuel Lutheran until 1971 when he became chaplain at Concordia University in Seward, NE. He was then called to serve the churches of Trinity Lutheran in Colby, KS in 1976, Zion Lutheran in Brighton, CO in 1982, and First Lutheran in Bozeman, MT in 1992 where he retired in 1998. They lived in Salida, CO from 1998-2009. In 2009 they moved to Canon City, CO bringing him full circle to where he lived as a small boy. During his retirement Gordon served 13 vacancies at various parishes throughout Colorado. He also served as Protestant Chaplain at Philmont Scout Camp in Cimarron, NM for 13 summers.
Gordon touched countless lives with his mischievous humor, rich baritone voice, unwavering faith, compassionate spirit, and proclamation of the gospel. He loved hiking, fishing, skiing, reading, travelling and eating limburger cheese. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of Colorado history and geology with family and friends. Many visitors have fond memories of being hijacked for an excursion through twisting canyons or Skyline Drive. Gordon loved to camp and hike the beautiful mountains of Colorado, particularly enjoying the challenge of its famous "fourteeners". He skied until the age of 80. Both Gordon and Evelyn loved to take camping road trips with family and friends. They helped to organize group excursions, servant events and vacation bible schools around the world. He loved playing pinochle, cribbage and the odd game of video poker at a nearby casino.
Gordon found joy in prayer, strength in scripture, and peace in the promise of eternal life. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love that will continue to inspire generations. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
"Lord now let your servant depart in peace."
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. John Lutheran Church: 790 Greydene Ave, Canon City, CO. Light lunch to follow. The service will be live streamed and can be viewed at http://www.StJohnCanonCity.org. Memorial donations may be made to Mission Central https://missioncentral.us/: 40718 Highway E 16, Mapleton, Iowa 51034.
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