Obituary of Elmer Anton GROSS

Elmer Anton Gross of Gravelbourg, SK and formerly Hodgeville, SK, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on December 14, 2012, at the age of 72 years. Elmer was born on the family farm April 21, 1940 to Martin and Frieda (nee Rossler) Gross. Elmer enjoyed growing up on the farm but milking cows and gathering eggs weren’t his favorite chores. He did like dogs though, and one of his dearest pets was his dog Trixie. Elmer attended Easby School in the Gooding district and rode to school on horseback with his brother George. After his schooling Elmer worked for Kersh Construction hauling gravel. In 1958 he began working for Vern Duncan’s Repair Shop in Hodgeville and trained with John Deere. He also helped his brother George farm, and would lend his mechanical skills when needed. In 1976 Elmer began farming full time alongside his brother and in 1982 they built a new home, where Elmer resided until 2010, when he moved to the Foyer d’Youville in Gravelbourg. Elmer attended Mass at St. Mathias Church until it’s closing, and then joined the St. Joseph Parish in Hodgeville. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks club. Elmer liked travelling and some of his favorite trips were to Hawaii and Las Vegas. He enjoyed fishing, rodeos, hockey and baseball games, visiting with friends, and playing cards or cribbage. Elmer will be dearly missed by his brother George, relatives, neighbors and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Martin (1956) and Frieda (nee Rossler; 2002) Gross. Prayers were held on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. with Harold Ebel presiding and Funeral Mass on Thursday, December 20, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., with Father Maurice Minne celebrant, both from St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Hodgeville, SK. Mass servers were Cole Stenberg and Zachary Stenberg. Communion minister was Harold Ebel. The eulogy was shared by Carol Wornath. Readers were Nicolette Gross and Cheryl Grimshaw. Offertory gifts were presented by Judy Gross and Richard Gross. Organist was Deb Waldenberger. Ushers were Gerald Haubrich and Joe Puskarz. Honorary pallbearers were "All those who shared in Elmer’s life.” Active pallbearers were Conrad Dash, Jeff Dash, Harvey Elias, Shane Wornath, Wayne Gross and Clayton Gross. Interment took place at St. Mathias Roman Catholic Cemetery, Hodgeville, SK. Memorial donations in memory of Elmer to the Canadian Cancer Society, 61B Ross St. W., Moose Jaw, SK S6H 2M2 and the Foyer d’Youville Foundation, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0, were greatly appreciated. Special thanks to the doctors and staff at the Foyer d’Youville for the compassionate care that Elmer received during his stay.