Obituary: Husband, Wife Die Within Hours of Each Other

Donald E. Gross, Sr., age 85 and Billie A. Gross, age 81, of Waukesha, husband and wife of 60 years both died five hours apart on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, at HRC-Manor Care in Pewaukee.

Donald was born on Nov. 13, 1926, in Merrill, the son of William and Emma (nee Dufek) Gross.  Billie was born in Escanaba, MI on July 22, 1930, the only child of William and Justa (nee O’Brien) Daniels.

Donald and Billie were united in marriage on Oct. 6, 1951 in Escanaba, MI.  Donald worked as a fire protection engineer retiring from Wenninger and was a charter member of the Wisconsin Chapter Society of Fire Protection Engineers. He was a volunteer for the St. Vincent DePaul and a member of the Jaycees. Donald was an avid track and field official and fan. Billie served as a county board supervisor from 1978 until 1988 and served on several civic boards.

Both Donald and Billie were avid golfers and in retirement they enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Nova Scotia and going on many golf vacations.

They will be sadly missed by their sons: Donald Gross, Jr. of Waukesha and William (Barbara) Gross of Monroe along with eight grandchildren.  They are further survived by their former daughter-in-law Kathryn Gross of Pewaukee along with other relatives and friends.  They were preceded in death by their son Michael J. Gross in 1991, along with Donald’s brothers: Bob, Karl and Arthur Boulder. 

A committal service for both Donald and Billie will be held on Monday, Dec.19, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery Chapel, S22 W22890 Broadway Avenue, Waukesha, WI.

If desired, memorials are appreciated to the MACC Fund, 10000 Innovative Drive Suite 135, Milwaukee, WI 53226.  For further information, please call at 262-547-4035 or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com to leave the family an online tribute message.