Christopher James Gross

Christopher James Gross, 41, of Olathe, KS passed away Saturday, July 5, 2014, at St. Joseph Medical Center from complications of his battle with brain cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 a.m., Friday, July 11th, at St. Thomas More Parish, 11822 Holmes, Kansas City, MO 64131 with burial following in Resurrection Cemetery, 8321 Quivera, Lenexa, KS 66215. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 10th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at St. Thomas More Parish, where the Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m.

Chris was born June 16, 1973 in Hays, KS. He grew up in Larned, KS and later moved to the Kansas City area. Chris enlisted in the Army with the Kansas National Guard Reserves in October, 1997 where he served in three deployments during his time in the service. He served one deployment in Kosovo in the year 2000 and two deployments in Iraq in 2004-2005 and again in 2007-2008. Chris was honorably discharged from service in July, 2013. He was married to his wife Karen in 2007 and enjoyed life with their two Chocolate Labs, Bruno and Bella.

Chris was preceded in death by his paternal Grandfather, Leonard Gross of Larned, KS and his maternal Grandmother, Joyce Wirtz of Ellinwood, KS. Chris is survived by his wife Karen Gross of Olathe, KS, Mother, Joleen Wirtz of Wichita, KS, Father, Terry Gross of Topeka, KS, Sister, Tracy Byrd of Topeka, KS, nephews, Jordan Byrd and Wyland Byrd and niece, Avery Byrd all of Topeka, KS, paternal Grandmother, Carol Gross of Larned, KS, maternal Grandfather, Joseph Wirtz of Ellinwood, KS and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association at www.abta.org, or 8550 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 550, Chicago, IL 60631.