Robert Warren Gross

Robert Warren Gross, a lifelong resident of Alma, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Gunderson St. Elizabeth Hospital, Wabasha, MN on March 1, 2024 at the age of 74.
Bob was born on September 26, 1949, in Mondovi, WI to Jennie Fern (Peterson) Gross and Clarence Marvin Gross. He graduated from Alma High School in 1968, an outstanding athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. In 2019, he was inducted into the Alma High School Wall of Fame for his part on the 1967 State Baseball team.
On January 18, 1969, he married Mary Margaret Schammel at St. John’s Lutheran Church. They had 2 children, Kristen and Michele. They later divorced. In August of 1969, he was drafted into the US Army and served as an MP Dog handler in Vietnam, earning two bronze stars.
After returning from Vietnam and being honorably discharged, Bob spent many summers playing softball for Mike’s Silver Moon. He also bowled on competitive teams, loved to golf, and play cards. Bob was a true outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing. He was very proud of winning numerous fishing contests over the years.
In 1985, Capt. Robert Gross started working for the Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District as a deckhand and worked his way up to master of the U.S. Dredge Goetz in 2009, holding this position until his retirement in 2015. He was very proud to pilot both the Dredge Thompson until it was retired and later the U.S. General Warren. He loved working for the US Army Corps of Engineers and considered his crew to be like extended family.
In April of 2022, he was proud to be elected to a two-year term as Mayor of Alma. He had filed unopposed for re-election, but sadly his health made it impossible to continue and he resigned.
He leaves behind his children, Kristen (Gabe) Perkins and Michele (Matt) Wobbe; grandchildren, Ashley Braem, Megan Braem, Annalise Wobbe, Madeline Perkins, and Ryan Perkins; sisters Carol (Frank) Fratzke and Patricia (Mike) Abts; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong best friend Terry (aka Louie) Bright, and many other friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Donald and parents Clarence and Jennie.
Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church, Wabasha, MN with Pastor Dave Knox officiating. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the church. Interment with military honors will be at Alma Cemetery, Alma, WI. All friends and family are welcome.
The family requests that memorials be given to Alma High School.
Services entrusted to Abbott Funeral Home & Wabasha, MN. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.abbottfh.com