Gerald L. Gross, 93, a resident of rural Churubusco and prominent Eel River Township farmer, passed away at 2:02 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at Lutheran Life Villages Pine Valley in Fort Wayne following an extended illness.

Mr. Gross was born on Feb. 6, 1923 in Eel River Township, a son of Edward Charles and Clara Katherine (Schowe) Gross, and spent his formative years on the family farm in rural Allen County.

On Oct. 7, 1944 he was married in Churubusco to Leone Bonar. He was a lifelong resident of Eel River Township, and was engaged in farming there all of his life. He worked as a dairyman for the former Allen County Dairy in Fort Wayne for 25 years, and formerly served on the Eel River Township Advisory Board. In addition he was a member of the DeKalb County Horsemen’s Association.

The surviving relatives include his widow Leone, to whom he was married for over 71 years; his three children Janet (Fred) Mathews of Fort Wayne; and Michael K. (Madonna) Gross; and Timothy B. (Ronda) Gross, both of Churubusco; his four grandchildren Todd Mathews, Troy Mathews, Angie (Craig) Frieburger, and Jason (Tracee) Gross; and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Delbert E. Gross on Feb. 1, 1991; and by his sister Mabel J. Smith on Nov. 26, 2003.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Larry Smith, pastor of Fellowship of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or one hour prior to the service. DeKalb County Horsemen’s Association will conduct a memorial service at 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Eel River Cemetery, Allen County.

For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Fellowship of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 13733 Wesley Chapel Rd., Churubusco, IN 46723

Sheets and Child Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.