Wallace Stewart Gross

February 26, 1937 – July 17, 2017

Wally died at home as he wished. He was born to Richard Gross and Martha Balbach, in Grand Junction, CO.

His mother died when Wally and his brother, Richard were three and five respectively.

His father remarried to Ruby Francis. His brother, Frank was born to this union. Wally went to elementary, junior high and high school in Grand Junction. After graduation he enlisted in the Army, and served in Seoul, South Korea during peacetime. He returned home and attended Mesa Junior College 1959-1961 where he met and courted Jera Petric. They were united in marriage on August 11, 1962. Wally earned a Business Degree in Administration from Western State College. He worked for Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. After some discussion with a School District #51 employee, he returned to Western State College earning an Elementary Education Degree and then returned to complete a Masters Degree in Education. He student taught at Tope Elementary School. His teaching career began in earnest at Riverside, continued at Columbus, and Fruitvale Elementary. He then used his expertise and challenged himself as a principal at Fruitvale and ended his education career as principal of Clifton Elementary. Outside of work, Wally and Jera had three children. After years of searching for the right piece of land, together they built a home on the Redlands from the ground up. They constructed a cabin on Grand Mesa with Jera's brother and sister-in-law. They also helped their son John build a home in Cortez, CO. Wally exemplified teaching, was an accomplished wood worker, and mechanic. Wally worked hard and ensured his wife and children were well supported.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard, mother, Martha, and stepmother, Ruby. He is survived by his wife, Jera, children: Jonella (Dana) Rademacher, Linda (Brian) Holloway, and John Gross. His grand children, Ryan, Erin, and Connor Rademacher, Jordan, and Danielle Holloway, Levi, and Luke Gross. His brothers, Richard Gross, Frank (Wilma) Gross, and Orie (Myrna) Francis.

Wally, his wit, laughter, wisdom, and support will be forever missed but not forgotten by his family.

Services will commence at 10 a.m. Aug.4 at Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, CO 81501. Be prompt! Reception 11:30 at Adobe Creek National Golf Course, 1853 I Road, Fruita, CO 81521.

Golf Course. Please bring a golf club so that we can TEE off some golf balls in his memory. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice are preferred. Flowers should be sent to Adobe Creek Clubhouse, 876 18 ½ Rd, Fruita, CO 81521.