Anthony Gross Obituary

February 25, 1924 - January 5, 2009
Anthony Henry Gross was born to Wendell and Grace Gross on February 25, 1924 in Bladen, Nebraska. Tony grew up in Riverton, Nebraska, along with sisters Clara and Lena. After graduating from Riverton High School in 1943, Tony enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as an intelligence photographer. He was assigned to work in embattled New Guinea in aerial reconnaissance, and then among the natives. In the jungle, he was wounded by an enemy bayonet. Upon recovery, he served as a member of the "SeaBees." Following World War II, Tony wed Alice Marie Skrdlant, whom he deeply cherished. They had three sons: Jim, Roger, and Joe. Tony moved his family to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1955. There, he retired as Chief of Inspections at the Air Force Academy, and owner of the General Fishing Tackle Shop. Tony was a graduate of the Texas A&M's Firemen's Engineering School and an alumni of the Air Force's Air University. He sold a number of fire trucks and started the North Suburban Fire Department in Colorado Springs. After their children were grown, Tony and Alice moved to Wilson, Kansas. Tony's retirement was full of activity: he served as Wilson's mayor, ran a successful orchard and beekeeping business, and mentored community youth. Tony was a loving "Pop" and doting granddad. His family remembers his generous heart, gentle spirit, and inquisitive mind. Tony was adventuresome and read vastly "to learn." Tony leaves countless fond memories with those who survive him: sisters Clara Tietjen and Lena Reed; sons Jim and Joe; daughter-in-law Sharon; and grandkids John, Hope, David, and Tim. Preceding him in death were his wife Alice and son Roger. Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2009, at Foster's Mortuary Chapel in Wilson, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wilson Volunteer Fire Department.