Ken

Kenneth Jacob Gross, age 92, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully at his home in Osseo, Michigan, on July 5, 2026. Ken was born on July 20,1933 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of two German immigrants, Otto Gross and Elizabeth (Klespies) Gross. After his mother’s death, at age 5, Ken spent time in foster care in Ohio. It was during this time in foster care that he discovered a deep love for God and a calling to serve others. Ken graduated from Clay-Genoa High School where he met and married Joann Jean (Brown) Gross, his beloved wife of 62 years.

Ken served his country as a Paratrooper in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his military service, he was a glass cutter at Libbey Owens Glass in Toledo while he earned a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green University. Ken followed his passion to teach science at Cardinal Stritch High School in Oregon, Ohio. Working full-time, he earned his master’s degree and Specialist Degree in Education from Toledo University. While serving as Assistant Principal of Cardinal Stritch High School Ken felt the call of the Holy Spirit to take a position as principal at Covington Catholic High School. In 1971 Ken and Joann moved their family from Genoa, Ohio to Northern Kentucky and became part of the CCH family. Ken was a visionary who developed programs that nurtured strong faith and student involvement with a focus on expanding the athletics program and developing a new sports facility. In 1980, he took a position with Carlisle Construction, where he worked for 19 years.

During retirement, Ken and Joann resided in Naples, Florida, returning to Erlanger, Kentucky, for holidays and family gatherings. They spend their summers together at Twin Lake in Osseo, Michigan.

Ken was always willing to volunteer his time and talents. He served on the board of the Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home and was an active member of the Sierra Club and Knights of Columbus. He found time to volunteer at his church, school and in the community. In honor of all he had accomplished in education, and his community of Northern Kentucky Ken was awarded the honor of Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky.

During his last 10 years of life, Ken was an active member of Saint Anthony’s parish in Hillsdale, Michigan. He found his strength and nourishment through the priests, Holy Scripture, and the Holy Eucharist. Ken was a man of deep faith, quiet strength and unwavering devotion to his family and God. He was a man who led by example, demonstrating the values of patience, wisdom, and quiet sacrifice.

Ken was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joann; parents, Otto and Elizabeth Gross; stepmother, Helen (Bancer) Gross; son, John Thomas Gross; daughter, Ann Louise Gross; and three infant children, Thomas, Kenneth Jr., and Catherine.

He is survived by his sister Sue Gross; children, Mary Jo (Bruce) Stroup, Michael (Joelle) Gross, Elizabeth (Ken) Shumate, Susan (Ron) Harstad, Christopher (Debbie) Gross, and Patricia (Kevin) Gribben; 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to the hour of Mass of Christian Burial at 6:00 pm at St. Pius X Church, 348 Dudley Rd, Edgewood, KY 41017. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow in Milligan Hall.

Interment is in St. John Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Hillsdale County, 124 South Howell Street, Hillsdale, Michigan and St. Anthony Catholic Church, 11 N Broad Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242.