JoAnn Gross

JoAnn Jeanette Gross passed away Thursday, April 16, 2015, in her home at the Mille Lacs Long Term Care in Onamia, MN at the age of 71 years, 12 days. A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Onamia, MN on Friday, April 24, 2015 10:30 a.m. with visitation one hour before the service. Arrangements by Shelley Funeral Chapels, Onamia, MN. JoAnn was born in St. Paul, MN, April 4, 1944 to John and Loretta Ringold. She was the second of six children. While growing up, JoAnn's family spent their summers at their cabin on Peavy Lake. JoAnn met her husband, Louie Gross, while attending a church picnic at Holy Family Church, the church her family attended in the summers. Louie and JoAnn were married October 13, 1962. They made their first family home on a farm in Hillman. While living on the farm, JoAnn gave birth to her first three children, Todd, Lisa and Tim. In 1970, JoAnn and Louie sold their farm and purchased their second home, Gross' Store. Their son Tony was born while they were living at their store. JoAnn and Louie ran their store for 42 years. JoAnn was very proud of their little store and the community they built around it. In 1975 they built their dream house on Peavy Lake. Their last child, Loretta, was born after they moved to the lake. With declining health, JoAnn moved to the Mille Lacs Long Term Care Center in Onamia in December of 2014. JoAnn loved her family and friends. She made her home a gathering spot for all. JoAnn's greatest pride was her grandchildren. She always had a hug and a smile for them. She was an avid gardener. She always had a pet or two; dogs, cats, birds, horses, cows, goats or pigs. She loved to gamble and made plenty of friends while at the casino. JoAnn is survived by her husband, Louis Gross; children, Todd (Cynthia) of Albertville, MN, Lisa (Mark) Johnson of Hillman, MN, Tim (Tanja) of Princeton, MN, Tony (Lisa) of Princeton, MN, Loretta (Rich) Oberfeld of Wahkon, MN; ten grandchildren - Ben Johnson, Joe Strauch, Jacob Gross, Jared Strauch, Hannah Gross, Mitchell Gross, AJ Gross, Kate Gross, Ian Oberfeld and Noah Oberfeld. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Loretta (Guertin) Ringold.

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JoAnn Gross

April 4, 1944 - April 16, 2015