Clifford Edward (Ed) Gross, 79, of Williamsburg, IA, passed away at Highland Ridge Nursing Home on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

Ed was born on May 29, 1946, in Grinnell, IA, to Kenneth Delbert Gross and Helen Gertrude (Sherwood) Gross. He grew up in Brooklyn, IA, and graduated from BGM High School in 1964. Ed graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Physical Education and went on to earn a Master's Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Iowa. After finishing his education, Ed married Linda Arlene Smith on August 7, 1971, and had three children - Christine, David, and Andrew.

Ed was a public school teacher for 4 years in Gladbrook, IA, 1 year in Seymour, IA, and 27 years Anamosa, IA, where he taught Civics, Business, Typing, and Physical Education classes. In addition to teaching, Ed coached sports year-round, including track, baseball, softball, basketball, cross country, and golf.

Ed faced two major health challenges in his life - a brain tumor in his early 40s and a paralyzing accident in his mid-60s. As a man of few words, he rarely complained of these hardships. Though these challenges altered the life he previously led, Ed remained a source of joy to those around him.

Prior to his paralysis, Ed loved to exercise; he ran nearly every day and enjoyed playing golf. He was a sports fan and loved the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved nature, especially bird watching. Ed was a follower of Jesus Christ and loved to read the Bible. He was an active member at Martelle Christian Church in Martelle, IA, where he taught Sunday School and visited the elderly in nursing homes. He was always a hard worker and loved kids. After retirement, Ed and Linda moved to Victor, IA, where they became members of Victor Baptist Church.

Ed is survived by his wife Linda Gross of Williamsburg, IA; three children - Christine (Joe) Totten of Normal, IL, David (Marianne) Gross of Normal, IL, and Andrew (Ginny) Gross of Deep River, IA, and 13 grandchildren - Sam (Shelby), Alex (Grace, and great granddaughter Hazel), Abby, Shruthi (Tyler), Shreya (Akshay), Caleb (Lauren), Zachary, Sarah, Emily, AJ, Henry, Lainey, and Lucy. Ed is also survived by two sisters, Gayle Griffin and Joyce (Jerry) Roshek. He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Helen Gross and sister Jackie Schneekloth.

The family would like to express our deep appreciation to Jackie Schultz, a rare find of an in-home caregiver. Because of her help, Ed and Linda were able to remain in their home for as long as possible. She went above and beyond, and became like family to them.

The family will receive visitors at Victor Baptist Church, Victor, IA, on Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 pm followed by a memorial service at 4:00 pm. Burial will be held at Victor Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution checks can be made payable to East Iowa Bible Camp and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home or by donating online at www.loveeibc.org/donate .