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Darrol Jimmy Gross was born Dec. 19, 1938 to Alfred and Ruth (Fliginger) Gross in Freeman, S.D. He was baptized at Salem Mennonite Church, by Reverend J. Herbert Frez. He graduated from Hurley (South Dakota) High School in 1956. He attended Freeman Junior College and then entered the work force. In 1961 he moved to Kansas City, Kan. for 1W Service.
During this time he worked at the University Of Kansas Medical Center. On June 17, 1962, he married LaVera Peters. Together they moved to Kansas City until 1963 to complete the 1W Service term. During this time, Darrol and LaVera established lifelong friendships with their 1W Service couples.
Following 1W Service, the family moved to Freeman, S.D. and lived there for four years before moving to Henderson. In Henderson, Darrol worked for Kroeker Grain & Lumber and then for the Henderson Community Coop. He occasionally was able to take fishing trips with Coop groups and made many memories on these trips.
Darrol loved spending time with his family, on the golf course and in the woodworking shop. In retirement he spent time volunteering at the golf course, and made many new friends in the process. He also loved to create new woodworking pieces that he gave as gifts or donated to MCC.
He loved attending any events of his children and grandchildren. In 2009, he received a kidney transplant and was grateful for that beautiful gift of life. Even as his health declined he maintained a positive attitude and his lifelong sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife LaVera of 51 years, of Henderson; two daughters, Debra Regier and her husband James of Whitewater, Kan. and Brenda Driewer and her husband Scott of York; five grandchildren, Matthew (Lindsey) Regier, Katie Regier, Kyle Regier, Samantha Driewer, and Brittney Driewer; one brother, Don (JoAnn) of Parker, S.D.; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Kelly Gross.
Graveside services will be held at 9:15 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 at Bethesda Cemetery, Henderson. Memorial services will follow at 10 a.m. at Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson.
Visitation begins after 1 p.m., Tuesday with his family greeting friends later that evening from 6:30 – 8 p.m., at the mortuary.
Memorials may be directed to Bethesda Mennonite Church Chairs for the Fellowship Hall fund.