Robert Gross,

ROBERT E. GROSS Sr., 78, died at 1:50 p.m. September 19, 2006, at his residence. He was born August 11, 1928, in Lima, Ohio to James Howard and Laura Elsie Hawk Gross, who preceded him in death. On July 19, 1947, he married Louise Bowers, who survives in Lima, Ohio. Mr. Gross retired in 1996, as a certified master craftsman from Gross & Sons Custom Millwork, which he founded in 1980. He had also worked at Western Ohio Lumber Co., for 38 years. He was a member of St. Gerard Catholic Church, where he had served as president of the Holy Name Society. He was inducted into its Wall of Fame, along with his wife, in 2001. He was a member of the Lima Central Catholic Boosters, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 370 and the Kewpee Club. He enjoyed his faith, his family and the outdoors. He was a passionate Notre Dame and Bath Wildcat fan. Survivors also include four sons, Robert E. (Nancy) Gross Jr., James H. (Debra) Gross, Rick A. (Kris) Gross and Dennis L. (Lisa) Gross, all of Lima, Ohio; two daughters, Jean Ann Patton of Lima, Ohio and Elizabeth Jane (Joseph Jr.) Stein of Tiffin, Ohio; three sisters, Dorothy Jarvis, Shirley (Robert) Wolford and Barbara (Henry) Althoff, all of Lima, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Argyle Gross of Lima, Ohio; a brother-in-law, Anthony (Audra) Bowers of Lima, Ohio; and 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Albert Gross and James Howard Gross; and his twin sister, Betty Jean Gross. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1 p.m. Friday at St. Gerard Catholic Church. Father George Blasick will officiate. Burial will be in Gethsemani Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Chamberlain Huckeriede Funeral Home, where a FOE service will be held at 7:30 p.m. and a wake service will be held at 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Gerard Catholic Church, 240 W. Robb Ave., Lima, OH 45801; or St. Rita's Hospice, 770 W. North St., Lima, OH 45801. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.