Wayne E. Gross

Wayne Eugene Gross, a loving husband, father, and passionate outdoorsman, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, at the age of 86. He was born on February 11, 1938, in Fenton, Iowa, to Harold and Helen (Radig) Gross.

Wayne's early years on the farm instilled in him a deep love for nature and hard work, qualities that he carried throughout his life. He attended Lott's Creek Immanuel Lutheran Church School and Sentral High School, graduating in 1954. After high school, he attended the Nebraska State Trade School in Milford before embarking on a distinguished career with IBM beginning in 1960. That same year, Wayne also joined the Army Reserve, honoring his commitment to serve his country.

On September 17, 1961, Wayne married Karen Susan Drohman, beginning a partnership that would last for over 60 years. Together, they raised two children, Brian (born 1963) and Sheri (born 1966), creating a home filled with love, adventure, and lasting memories. In 1967, the family moved to Grand Island, Nebraska, where Wayne continued his career with IBM.

Wayne was a devoted father who cherished the time spent with his wife and children. Every year, he took his family on vacation to destinations like Glacier National Park, Disneyland, and Washington, D.C.. These trips were a testament to his love for travel and his desire to share the beauty of the world with those he loved.

An avid fisherman, Wayne spent more than 40 years fishing in the pristine waters of Manitoba, where he made many lifelong friends and enjoyed the peace that only nature can provide. He was also a passionate duck and pheasant hunter, finding great joy in the camaraderie of his hunting trips.

After retiring from IBM in 2000, Wayne and Karen embraced their love for travel, exploring the world together. They cruised the Mediterranean, marveled at the fall colors along the Atlantic Coast, and enjoyed countless adventures. Of all their travels, Wayne often spoke with great reverence of their trip to the Holy Land, a journey that left a lasting impact on his heart.

Wayne is survived by his son, Brian (and his wife Leslie) of Nebraska City; daughter, Sheri (and her husband, Chris) of Bellevue; his granddaughters, Kjersten and Maren (and her husband, Kyle) and; his brothers Michael (and Beverly), Dennis (and Janet), and Alan (and Sherry). He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen; his parents, Harold and Helen Gross; his sister, Barbara; and daughter-in-law, Lisa.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Lincoln, Nebraska. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Lincoln, with interment to follow at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.

The family requests donations be made in Wayne’s memory to Christ Lincoln Schools.