PLATTE Vernel E. Gross, 98, passed away, Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Platte Care Center in Platte.
Vernel E. Gross was born October 29, 1926 to Sam D. and Elizabeth (Kleinsasser) Gross. Vernel was the oldest of their 10 children and consequently became the family historian in later years. From the time he was a year old until he was 20 the family lived on farms southwest of Doland. He attended rural schools through eighth grade and then attended Doland High School, graduating in 1944. During this time, he boarded with his grandparents, D.J. and Marie Gross, who lived across from the high school.
In 1948, Vernel met his future wife, Ruth Hofer, at Byron Bible Camp.
They were married March 1, 1949. The couple purchased a farm northwest of Carpenter and they began their life together. A daughter, Eileen and a son Curtis were added to the family. Through dry years and good years Vernel and Ruth persevered and dairying became a source of income for them. In 1976, after graduating from college, their son, Curtis, joined their dairy operation. Then in 1985, at the age of 30, Curtis died from cancer. Vernel and Ruth continued farming and raised beef cattle. They moved to Huron in 1995, but Vernel continued to farm the land until he was 85.
Vernels wife, Ruth, passed away October of 2012. At his daughters request, in 2013, Vernel moved to Platte to be closer to his daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was as much a source of joy to the family, as they were to him.
Vernel became aware of his need for a Savior, when an evangelist conducted revival meetings at his church. From that point on, he developed a walk with his Lord. He read his Bible daily and prayed, seeking direction for his life. He became a prayer warrior for his immediate and extended family. At the age of 17, Vernel began teaching Sunday school and faithfully served as a teacher and as a Deacon at the Ebenezer Mennonite Brethren Church, until its closing. He then became a member of the Bethesda Church in Huron.
Vernel was a loving, Godly example to all his family. He will be greatly missed.
Vernel is survived by his daughter, Eileen Ludens (Jim); grandaughter: Amber Moody (Steve); grandsons: Dustin Ludens (Tina) and Derric Ludens (Maria); great-grandchildren: Acacia Paul (Denver), Elise, Charis, Chesed, Selah, Silas, Callen, AnnaGrace, EmmaLeigh, Bracken, and Della Moody. Quinn and Townes Ludens, and Aurora Ludens; brothers: Duane, Leroy, Allen, and Victor Gross; sisters: MaryAnn Gross and Marlyce Spain.
Vernel was preceded in death by his parents: Sam and Elizabeth Gross; son Curtis Gross; brother Clifford Gross; and sisters Gladys Hofer and Marcella Malicowski.
A special thank you to the Platte Care Center for their kind, compassionate care. You guys are the best!
Private family funeral services and burial for Vernel Gross age 98 of Platte, formerly of Huron, are being planned.
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