Michael L. Gross, 73, of Cerro Gordo passed away Saturday, September 2, 2017 at Decatur Memorial Hospital
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, September 6 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, September 5 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cerro Gordo Cemetery. Memorials may be given in Mike’s honor to Cerro Gordo Sons of the American Legion Post #117.
Mike was born October 26, 1943 in Decatur, IL, the son of Harold Vernon and Wilma Jane (Heinz) Gross. He married Pat Benson on January 6, 1962 in Cerro Gordo.
He worked for 38 years as a National Sales Executive for WAND-TV and taught Dale Carnegie courses. Mike was passionate about his community and served on the Cerro Gordo School Board for 17 years and was president for 10 years. He served on Cerro Gordo Village Board as Trustee, was a lifetime member and Past Commander of Cerro Gordo Sons of the American Legion Post #117, Cerro Gordo Youth League President and coach and was involved in the Cerro Gordo Booster Club.
Mike was a NASCAR enthusiast and was active in CGBRL. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Bears. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sports and activities and could often be found patrolling the streets of Cerro Gordo on his golf cart or enjoying his friends at the Legion.
Mike is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pat; daughter, Kelley (Jim Morrison) of Cerro Gordo; sister, Judy Hamm of Decatur; grandchildren, Kraig, Kaleb (Jenna Eaker), and Kristie Krigbaum, all of Cerro Gordo; great grandchild Nolan Krigbaum (Little Bubba); brother-in-law Dean (Becky) Benson of Oakley; sister-in-law Donna (Steve) Fleener of La Place; his grand dog Pujo; several nieces and nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mikie; son-in-law, Brad; brother-in-law, Larry; and two sisters, Betty and Sandy
Mike never met a stranger and will be missed by all who knew him.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at www.brintlingerandearl.com
