A beloved husband and adored father, grandfather, uncle and friend passed away on November 10, 2021 at the age of 86 years in Columbus, Ohio. Frederick (Fred) Martin Gross was born to Ana Chapman Gross and Ira Truman Gross on July 9, 1935 in the front bedroom of their home in Coshocton County, Ohio. We know this because Fred would always point out to his daughters, the window to the room in this home where he was born—the fifth boy in a family of seven children—as well as the big pine tree in the front yard which was the Christmas tree the year he was born. They were duly impressed.
Fred loved his family and his childhood, growing up on a small family dairy farm in Coshocton County. He worked hard as a boy, and told many happy and interesting stories about this time in his childhood. He attended a two-room grade school in Tiverton township, impressing his daughters with tales of his mischief at school, the lead hearts he cast for his girlfriends (No one is surprised to hear that!) as well as the period of time in eighth grade when he had to instruct the lower grades while their teacher was on maternity leave.
He was one of only two students in his 1953 class at Warsaw High School who went on to college—and he always claimed that none of his teachers would have predicted it. After a tough freshman year at Kent State University, Fred headed out west to study at Cascade College outside of Portland, OR, where his oldest brother, Ira, was a minister. Fred loved this experience: he learned to ski, spent his first time on the ocean, was inspired by his professors and enjoyed living with his young nieces and nephew—whom he adored. That summer his father announced that he was selling his dairy business and needed Fred to come home and help him with the sale. So, the following fall, Fred was back at Kent State University, working towards his bachelors in education with certifications to teach history, science and industrial arts. There, as an undergraduate, Fred met his lifelong love and companion, Joyce (Towne) Gross, whom he claims he asked to dance over and over while she tried to talk him into dancing with her little sorority sister. We are all glad he persevered. They married on June 20, 1959, in Elliot, Ohio, and this summer celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. They made a home in Kent, Ohio for over 50 years, raising their four daughters, Suzanne, Sandra, Melinda and Caroline and became deeply involved in their community.
Fred was a fun, creative and inspiring lifelong learner and teacher. For over 30 years Fred taught industrial arts at the high school and middle schools in Kent, Ohio. He loved learning and teaching both inside and outside of the classroom—always reading about ideas, history, science and technology and invariably looking for new projects or inspirations for his students, his colleagues and his daughters. He was a leader in his state and national professional organization, teaching seminars and workshops for fellow teachers on many topics, such as drafting, rocketry, metalwork, small engine design, foundry, welding and woodworking. Taking classes at night, Fred obtained a master's degree in Industrial Technology, which he liked to acknowledge facetiously when he fixed something for a friend or made his prodigious handiness otherwise evident to those of us somewhat less capable. Most anyone who knew Fred would agree that he could fix anything—and, maybe most importantly, was willing and able to try. He inspired his students and people around him to learn, to be confident and to try, as well—although often he would have to help us in the end.
For over 50 years, Fred and his wife were active members of the Kent United Methodist Church where they taught Sunday school and led youth and scout groups. While bible verses were definitely memorized and discussed, most students recall the ferocious blockhead (think jenga) games at the end of each Sunday school class. There is a stained-glass window in this church with an image of Fred's teaching in it—a befitting reflection of him. Fred always quipped that he was in the frame next to Jesus—so he thought he might get him some extra credit with St. Peter.
Fred and Joyce were avid travelers, exploring most of the national parks, seeing all 50 states and much of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Israel, Central America and all of the southern provinces and islands of Canada. They took every opportunity to explore the world. Fred was also an active member of the Kent Men's Garden Club, bringing his farming experience and learning new pruning and grafting skills. Fred loved the outdoors—camping, fishing and hunting with his family and friends. He spent most of his summers at the Lakeside cottage he and Joyce bought in 1968 and continually improved, generously hosting most of their friends and extended family over the many years—with famous ice cream parties, barbecues, fish fries, fishing trips, water-skiing lessons, etc. He also loved spending time and working on their family farm in Coshocton County, which they purchased from Fred's parents in 1978. The farm also served as a gathering place for friends and family throughout the years, including regular hunting retreats every fall. No matter where Fred went in the world, he loved to say, "Well, this isn't really any prettier than our back hollow [at the farm]!"
Fred loved learning and, when he wasn't fixing something for working on a big project, like building a wooden canoe or roofing the cottage, he was reading—Louis L'Amour westerns, historical fiction, science fiction, nonfiction, philosophy and history. He always had a project or two in the works—usually Christmas gifts. He loved music. He liked "to split a beer"with his Lake Erie perch sandwich. He loved to spend time with his family and his many lifelong friends and neighbors—preferably over a meal or working on a project.
Fred is survived by his wife, Joyce; brothers-in-law, Louis (Jeff) Towne and Herald (Tom) Crews; sister-in-law, Alice Ramsey Gross; four daughters, Suzanne, Sandra, Melinda and Caroline; his sons-in-law, Mark Hatch and Eric Whitaker; and his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Hall) Towne. Fred loved all his kids but he adored and took great pride in his grandchildren: Jane Hatch, Truman Hatch, Sam Hatch, Nick Gross-Whitaker, Kate Gross-Whitaker, Josie Gross-Whitaker, Jack Gross-Whitaker, Friedrich Towne, Orville Towne, and Louis Towne. He will also be deeply missed by his nieces, nephews and many beloved friends and former students. None of us will ever forget him. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his seven siblings and three sisters-in-law.
A memorial service for Fred will be held at North Broadway Methodist Church, 48 E. North Broadway, Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 1:30pm. Visiting hours will be held preceding the service at 12:30pm.
Fred loved his family and his childhood, growing up on a small family dairy farm in Coshocton County. He worked hard as a boy, and told many happy and interesting stories about this time in his childhood. He attended a two-room grade school in Tiverton township, impressing his daughters with tales of his mischief at school, the lead hearts he cast for his girlfriends (No one is surprised to hear that!) as well as the period of time in eighth grade when he had to instruct the lower grades while their teacher was on maternity leave.
He was one of only two students in his 1953 class at Warsaw High School who went on to college—and he always claimed that none of his teachers would have predicted it. After a tough freshman year at Kent State University, Fred headed out west to study at Cascade College outside of Portland, OR, where his oldest brother, Ira, was a minister. Fred loved this experience: he learned to ski, spent his first time on the ocean, was inspired by his professors and enjoyed living with his young nieces and nephew—whom he adored. That summer his father announced that he was selling his dairy business and needed Fred to come home and help him with the sale. So, the following fall, Fred was back at Kent State University, working towards his bachelors in education with certifications to teach history, science and industrial arts. There, as an undergraduate, Fred met his lifelong love and companion, Joyce (Towne) Gross, whom he claims he asked to dance over and over while she tried to talk him into dancing with her little sorority sister. We are all glad he persevered. They married on June 20, 1959, in Elliot, Ohio, and this summer celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. They made a home in Kent, Ohio for over 50 years, raising their four daughters, Suzanne, Sandra, Melinda and Caroline and became deeply involved in their community.
Fred was a fun, creative and inspiring lifelong learner and teacher. For over 30 years Fred taught industrial arts at the high school and middle schools in Kent, Ohio. He loved learning and teaching both inside and outside of the classroom—always reading about ideas, history, science and technology and invariably looking for new projects or inspirations for his students, his colleagues and his daughters. He was a leader in his state and national professional organization, teaching seminars and workshops for fellow teachers on many topics, such as drafting, rocketry, metalwork, small engine design, foundry, welding and woodworking. Taking classes at night, Fred obtained a master's degree in Industrial Technology, which he liked to acknowledge facetiously when he fixed something for a friend or made his prodigious handiness otherwise evident to those of us somewhat less capable. Most anyone who knew Fred would agree that he could fix anything—and, maybe most importantly, was willing and able to try. He inspired his students and people around him to learn, to be confident and to try, as well—although often he would have to help us in the end.
For over 50 years, Fred and his wife were active members of the Kent United Methodist Church where they taught Sunday school and led youth and scout groups. While bible verses were definitely memorized and discussed, most students recall the ferocious blockhead (think jenga) games at the end of each Sunday school class. There is a stained-glass window in this church with an image of Fred's teaching in it—a befitting reflection of him. Fred always quipped that he was in the frame next to Jesus—so he thought he might get him some extra credit with St. Peter.
Fred and Joyce were avid travelers, exploring most of the national parks, seeing all 50 states and much of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Israel, Central America and all of the southern provinces and islands of Canada. They took every opportunity to explore the world. Fred was also an active member of the Kent Men's Garden Club, bringing his farming experience and learning new pruning and grafting skills. Fred loved the outdoors—camping, fishing and hunting with his family and friends. He spent most of his summers at the Lakeside cottage he and Joyce bought in 1968 and continually improved, generously hosting most of their friends and extended family over the many years—with famous ice cream parties, barbecues, fish fries, fishing trips, water-skiing lessons, etc. He also loved spending time and working on their family farm in Coshocton County, which they purchased from Fred's parents in 1978. The farm also served as a gathering place for friends and family throughout the years, including regular hunting retreats every fall. No matter where Fred went in the world, he loved to say, "Well, this isn't really any prettier than our back hollow [at the farm]!"
Fred loved learning and, when he wasn't fixing something for working on a big project, like building a wooden canoe or roofing the cottage, he was reading—Louis L'Amour westerns, historical fiction, science fiction, nonfiction, philosophy and history. He always had a project or two in the works—usually Christmas gifts. He loved music. He liked "to split a beer"with his Lake Erie perch sandwich. He loved to spend time with his family and his many lifelong friends and neighbors—preferably over a meal or working on a project.
Fred is survived by his wife, Joyce; brothers-in-law, Louis (Jeff) Towne and Herald (Tom) Crews; sister-in-law, Alice Ramsey Gross; four daughters, Suzanne, Sandra, Melinda and Caroline; his sons-in-law, Mark Hatch and Eric Whitaker; and his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Hall) Towne. Fred loved all his kids but he adored and took great pride in his grandchildren: Jane Hatch, Truman Hatch, Sam Hatch, Nick Gross-Whitaker, Kate Gross-Whitaker, Josie Gross-Whitaker, Jack Gross-Whitaker, Friedrich Towne, Orville Towne, and Louis Towne. He will also be deeply missed by his nieces, nephews and many beloved friends and former students. None of us will ever forget him. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his seven siblings and three sisters-in-law.
A memorial service for Fred will be held at North Broadway Methodist Church, 48 E. North Broadway, Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 1:30pm. Visiting hours will be held preceding the service at 12:30pm.
A beloved husband and adored father, grandfather, uncle and friend passed away on November 10, 2021 at the age of 86 years in Columbus, Ohio. Frederick (Fred) Martin Gross was born to Ana Chapman Gross and Ira Truman Gross on July 9, 1935 in the front bedroom of their home in Coshocton County, Ohio. We know this because Fred would always point out to his daughters, the window to the room in this home where he was born—the fifth boy in a family of seven children—as well as the big pine tree in the front yard which was the Christmas tree the year he was born. They were duly impressed.
Fred loved his family and his childhood, growing up on a small family dairy farm in Coshocton County. He worked hard as a boy, and told many happy and interesting stories about this time in his childhood. He attended a two-room grade school in Tiverton township, impressing his daughters with tales of his mischief at school, the lead hearts he cast for his girlfriends (No one is surprised to hear that!) as well as the period of time in eighth grade when he had to instruct the lower grades while their teacher was on maternity leave.
He was one of only two students in his 1953 class at Warsaw High School who went on to college—and he always claimed that none of his teachers would have predicted it. After a tough freshman year at Kent State University, Fred headed out west to study at Cascade College outside of Portland, OR, where his oldest brother, Ira, was a minister. Fred loved this experience: he learned to ski, spent his first time on the ocean, was inspired by his professors and enjoyed living with his young nieces and nephew—whom he adored. That summer his father announced that he was selling his dairy business and needed Fred to come home and help him with the sale. So, the following fall, Fred was back at Kent State University, working towards his bachelors in education with certifications to teach history, science and industrial arts. There, as an undergraduate, Fred met his lifelong love and companion, Joyce (Towne) Gross, whom he claims he asked to dance over and over while she tried to talk him into dancing with her little sorority sister. We are all glad he persevered. They married on June 20, 1959, in Elliot, Ohio, and this summer celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. They made a home in Kent, Ohio for over 50 years, raising their four daughters, Suzanne, Sandra, Melinda and Caroline and became deeply involved in their community.
Fred was a fun, creative and inspiring lifelong learner and teacher. For over 30 years Fred taught industrial arts at the high school and middle schools in Kent, Ohio. He loved learning and teaching both inside and outside of the classroom—always reading about ideas, history, science and technology and invariably looking for new projects or inspirations for his students, his colleagues and his daughters. He was a leader in his state and national professional organization, teaching seminars and workshops for fellow teachers on many topics, such as drafting, rocketry, metalwork, small engine design, foundry, welding and woodworking. Taking classes at night, Fred obtained a master's degree in Industrial Technology, which he liked to acknowledge facetiously when he fixed something for a friend or made his prodigious handiness otherwise evident to those of us somewhat less capable. Most anyone who knew Fred would agree that he could fix anything—and, maybe most importantly, was willing and able to try. He inspired his students and people around him to learn, to be confident and to try, as well—although often he would have to help us in the end.
For over 50 years, Fred and his wife were active members of the Kent United Methodist Church where they taught Sunday school and led youth and scout groups. While bible verses were definitely memorized and discussed, most students recall the ferocious blockhead (think jenga) games at the end of each Sunday school class. There is a stained-glass window in this church with an image of Fred's teaching in it—a befitting reflection of him. Fred always quipped that he was in the frame next to Jesus—so he thought he might get him some extra credit with St. Peter.
Fred and Joyce were avid travelers, exploring most of the national parks, seeing all 50 states and much of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Israel, Central America and all of the southern provinces and islands of Canada. They took every opportunity to explore the world. Fred was also an active member of the Kent Men's Garden Club, bringing his farming experience and learning new pruning and grafting skills. Fred loved the outdoors—camping, fishing and hunting with his family and friends. He spent most of his summers at the Lakeside cottage he and Joyce bought in 1968 and continually improved, generously hosting most of their friends and extended family over the many years—with famous ice cream parties, barbecues, fish fries, fishing trips, water-skiing lessons, etc. He also loved spending time and working on their family farm in Coshocton County, which they purchased from Fred's parents in 1978. The farm also served as a gathering place for friends and family throughout the years, including regular hunting retreats every fall. No matter where Fred went in the world, he loved to say, "Well, this isn't really any prettier than our back hollow [at the farm]!"
Fred loved learning and, when he wasn't fixing something for working on a big project, like building a wooden canoe or roofing the cottage, he was reading—Louis L'Amour westerns, historical fiction, science fiction, nonfiction, philosophy and history. He always had a project or two in the works—usually Christmas gifts. He loved music. He liked "to split a beer"with his Lake Erie perch sandwich. He loved to spend time with his family and his many lifelong friends and neighbors—preferably over a meal or working on a project.
Fred is survived by his wife, Joyce; brothers-in-law, Louis (Jeff) Towne and Herald (Tom) Crews; sister-in-law, Alice Ramsey Gross; four daughters, Suzanne, Sandra, Melinda and Caroline; his sons-in-law, Mark Hatch and Eric Whitaker; and his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Hall) Towne. Fred loved all his kids but he adored and took great pride in his grandchildren: Jane Hatch, Truman Hatch, Sam Hatch, Nick Gross-Whitaker, Kate Gross-Whitaker, Josie Gross-Whitaker, Jack Gross-Whitaker, Friedrich Towne, Orville Towne, and Louis Towne. He will also be deeply missed by his nieces, nephews and many beloved friends and former students. None of us will ever forget him. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his seven siblings and three sisters-in-law.
A memorial service for Fred will be held at North Broadway Methodist Church, 48 E. North Broadway, Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 1:30pm. Visiting hours will be held preceding the service at 12:30pm.
Fred loved his family and his childhood, growing up on a small family dairy farm in Coshocton County. He worked hard as a boy, and told many happy and interesting stories about this time in his childhood. He attended a two-room grade school in Tiverton township, impressing his daughters with tales of his mischief at school, the lead hearts he cast for his girlfriends (No one is surprised to hear that!) as well as the period of time in eighth grade when he had to instruct the lower grades while their teacher was on maternity leave.
He was one of only two students in his 1953 class at Warsaw High School who went on to college—and he always claimed that none of his teachers would have predicted it. After a tough freshman year at Kent State University, Fred headed out west to study at Cascade College outside of Portland, OR, where his oldest brother, Ira, was a minister. Fred loved this experience: he learned to ski, spent his first time on the ocean, was inspired by his professors and enjoyed living with his young nieces and nephew—whom he adored. That summer his father announced that he was selling his dairy business and needed Fred to come home and help him with the sale. So, the following fall, Fred was back at Kent State University, working towards his bachelors in education with certifications to teach history, science and industrial arts. There, as an undergraduate, Fred met his lifelong love and companion, Joyce (Towne) Gross, whom he claims he asked to dance over and over while she tried to talk him into dancing with her little sorority sister. We are all glad he persevered. They married on June 20, 1959, in Elliot, Ohio, and this summer celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. They made a home in Kent, Ohio for over 50 years, raising their four daughters, Suzanne, Sandra, Melinda and Caroline and became deeply involved in their community.
Fred was a fun, creative and inspiring lifelong learner and teacher. For over 30 years Fred taught industrial arts at the high school and middle schools in Kent, Ohio. He loved learning and teaching both inside and outside of the classroom—always reading about ideas, history, science and technology and invariably looking for new projects or inspirations for his students, his colleagues and his daughters. He was a leader in his state and national professional organization, teaching seminars and workshops for fellow teachers on many topics, such as drafting, rocketry, metalwork, small engine design, foundry, welding and woodworking. Taking classes at night, Fred obtained a master's degree in Industrial Technology, which he liked to acknowledge facetiously when he fixed something for a friend or made his prodigious handiness otherwise evident to those of us somewhat less capable. Most anyone who knew Fred would agree that he could fix anything—and, maybe most importantly, was willing and able to try. He inspired his students and people around him to learn, to be confident and to try, as well—although often he would have to help us in the end.
For over 50 years, Fred and his wife were active members of the Kent United Methodist Church where they taught Sunday school and led youth and scout groups. While bible verses were definitely memorized and discussed, most students recall the ferocious blockhead (think jenga) games at the end of each Sunday school class. There is a stained-glass window in this church with an image of Fred's teaching in it—a befitting reflection of him. Fred always quipped that he was in the frame next to Jesus—so he thought he might get him some extra credit with St. Peter.
Fred and Joyce were avid travelers, exploring most of the national parks, seeing all 50 states and much of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Israel, Central America and all of the southern provinces and islands of Canada. They took every opportunity to explore the world. Fred was also an active member of the Kent Men's Garden Club, bringing his farming experience and learning new pruning and grafting skills. Fred loved the outdoors—camping, fishing and hunting with his family and friends. He spent most of his summers at the Lakeside cottage he and Joyce bought in 1968 and continually improved, generously hosting most of their friends and extended family over the many years—with famous ice cream parties, barbecues, fish fries, fishing trips, water-skiing lessons, etc. He also loved spending time and working on their family farm in Coshocton County, which they purchased from Fred's parents in 1978. The farm also served as a gathering place for friends and family throughout the years, including regular hunting retreats every fall. No matter where Fred went in the world, he loved to say, "Well, this isn't really any prettier than our back hollow [at the farm]!"
Fred loved learning and, when he wasn't fixing something for working on a big project, like building a wooden canoe or roofing the cottage, he was reading—Louis L'Amour westerns, historical fiction, science fiction, nonfiction, philosophy and history. He always had a project or two in the works—usually Christmas gifts. He loved music. He liked "to split a beer"with his Lake Erie perch sandwich. He loved to spend time with his family and his many lifelong friends and neighbors—preferably over a meal or working on a project.
Fred is survived by his wife, Joyce; brothers-in-law, Louis (Jeff) Towne and Herald (Tom) Crews; sister-in-law, Alice Ramsey Gross; four daughters, Suzanne, Sandra, Melinda and Caroline; his sons-in-law, Mark Hatch and Eric Whitaker; and his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Hall) Towne. Fred loved all his kids but he adored and took great pride in his grandchildren: Jane Hatch, Truman Hatch, Sam Hatch, Nick Gross-Whitaker, Kate Gross-Whitaker, Josie Gross-Whitaker, Jack Gross-Whitaker, Friedrich Towne, Orville Towne, and Louis Towne. He will also be deeply missed by his nieces, nephews and many beloved friends and former students. None of us will ever forget him. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his seven siblings and three sisters-in-law.
A memorial service for Fred will be held at North Broadway Methodist Church, 48 E. North Broadway, Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 1:30pm. Visiting hours will be held preceding the service at 12:30pm.
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