Caroline Gross

Caroline Gross passed away peacefully on April 13, 2024 surrounded by family. She lived a resilient life full of love and joy. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am Friday, April 19, 2024 at St. Christina Catholic Church, Parker with burial in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Marion.  Visitation will be from 5-7pm Thursday at the church.  Scripture service followed by the Rosary will be said at 7:00pm Thursday evening at the church.  Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home.

Caroline Marianne Gross (nee Waechter) was born October 4, 1935. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Caroline lived a full life, being a farm and housewife for many years, working in the pharmacy in Marion, and waitressing part time. She worked hard to provide for her family.

Caroline was known for her generosity, compassion, strength, and ability to make people laugh. She touched the lives of everyone she met. She was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marion, South Dakota and served on the Altar Society. Her hobbies included spending time outside tending to her flowers and gardening, as well as painting ceramics, reading, and listening to country music. She enjoyed spending time with family, celebrating holidays together while enjoying her “famous” barbeque turkey, and playing cards and dominos. Caroline enjoyed traveling whenever possible and never turned down a chance to go on a trip or a drive.

She married Roland Gross in 1953. Roland and Caroline were married for 52 years before Roland’s passing in 2005. They enjoyed going dancing on the weekends and raising their four children. Caroline always had a smile on her face when talking about her husband.

Caroline Gross is survived by her children Joann Preheim of Marion, Gene (Gayle) Gross of Parker, and Mary (Bob) Hageman of Tea. She is also survived by her grandchildren Bob (Becky) Preheim, Ginger Robinson, Dan (Melissa) Preheim, Deb (Rob Huling) Preheim, Derek Gross, Candace (Daryn) Dockter, Carson Gross, Nick (Kristi) Ensz, Tony (Erica Knode) Ensz, Isabella Hageman, and Jenna Hageman. Caroline is also survived by her twenty-three great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren as well as her sister-in-law Pat Waechter of Montrose.

Caroline was preceded in death by her husband, Roland Eugene Gross, her daughter Connie Gross, her granddaughter Emily Gross, her brothers Tony & Jim Waechter, sister-in-law Geraldine Waechter and her parents Alfred & Anna Waechter, along with many other cherished family members.