Mike Gross, 57, of Brooklyn and formerly of Grinnell, died on Friday, September 15, 2023 at UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Medical Center and under the care of UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Hospice.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, September 25, 2023 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Interment will be at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell. A luncheon will follow in the Heritage Room of the Smith Funeral Home.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at the Smith Funeral Home and his family will receive friends from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Grinnell High School Music Department or to UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Hospice and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Mike's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Michael Terry Gross was born the son of Terry and Danielle (Mitchell) Gross on November 19, 1965 in Grinnell. He was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 1984 where he served as President of the GHS Student Council, and was voted "Best Musician" and "Class Clown" by the senior class. He worked as a yardman at Penrose Lumber and Vosburg Lumber in Grinnell and later was the manager at Malcom Lumber in Grinnell. He most recently worked for Wes Finch Auto Plaza as a salesman. Mike was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Grinnell.

Mike was an award-winning musician. His love of country music was evident in his passion and talent for playing the guitar and singing. Over the years, he was the founding member of four bands: "The Country Three," "Mike Gross & The Country Three," "Mike Gross & The Heartlanders," and "Route 66." The bands played at numerous local events as well as on stages throughout Iowa and the Midwest. Mike also performed with, and opened for Leroy Van Dyk, Wild Rose, and the "Queen of Country Music," Kitty Wells, at the Grand Ole Opry. He released four albums, the first being a 45RPM in 1984. Side A was a song he wrote entitled, Sell the Family Farm about the 1980s Farm Crisis. In 1993, Mike released My Hometown . The title track, co-written by Mike and his good friend, Kevin Ronfeldt, made the charts, topping out at #44 during the week of October 2nd.

Mike was more than just a musician. He was also known for his sense of humor as he was always ready to bring laughter to any situation. He had a deep love for animals, especially his dogs. He enjoyed the outdoors, spending his free time as a hunter and fisherman, and tending to his garden.

Mike is survived by his partner, Shawn Roberts of Brooklyn, Iowa; his two brothers, Chris (Pam) Gross of Carlisle, Iowa and Mitch (Melanie) Gross of Coralville, Iowa and their children, Zola, Mary Danielle, and Elsie; his aunts, uncles, cousins; and his mother-in-law, Sandy Roberts of Brooklyn. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dogs Francis, Toby, and Chelsea.