Maynard Dale Gross

     Maynard Dale Gross, age 89, of Wheeler, MI, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. 

     A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 12:00 P.M. on Friday, June 21, 2024, with Pastor Dave Perry officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. A private graveside service will take place at Lafayette Township Cemetery at a later date.  

    Maynard was born in Breckenridge, Michigan on June 25, 1934, the son of Dewey Samson and Lalah Armantha (Smith) Gross. He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1953. Maynard married Agnes Joann Aldrich on June 27, 1954, at the Lafayette Presbyterian Church. 

     Maynard worked for Dow Chemical for 38 years. He was a lifelong farmer in Gratiot County. He loved anything farm related especially his antique International Tractors. He also loved his homemade ice cream and had a huge sweet tooth. Maynard and Agnes wintered in Zephyrhills, Florida for 23 years. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and looked forward to spring training in Florida & their entire season. Maynard loved his family. His grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandson brought much joy to his life. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Alma and the Alma Elks Lodge. Maynard was a lifelong member of the Lafayette Presbyterian Church.  

     He is survived by his wife Agnes of Wheeler, MI; daughter Patrice Gross of Breckenridge, MI; daughter Denise and Rod Fisher of Wheeler, MI; son Bradley and Jill Gross of Breckenridge, MI; six grandchildren: Tiffany (Richard) Frank, Shawn Fisher, Heath Williamson, Brandon (Kaylee) Gross, Jared (Ashley) Gross, and Jamie Fisher; eleven great- grandchildren: Logan, Jaiden, Emma, Gavin, Nora, Isla, Beau, Emerson, Rose, Grace, and Hannah Frank; and great-great grandson Joseph.   He was preceded in death by his parents Dewey and Lalah Gross, brother Emery (Evelyn) Gross, and special cousin Phyllis (Mike) Parling.

      Memorials may be made to MyMichigan Hospice (Mt. Pleasant Branch) 810 Eastman Ave. Midland, MI 48640.   Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.