He was born August 30, 1915 in the Town of Pound to Carl G. and Ottilie (Plonke) Gross. Leo was a graduate of Coleman High School and was a veteran of W.W.II serving with Army Corp of Engineers for five years. He was married to the former Eunice L. Borkowski on November 6, 1948 at the Pioneer Baptist Church, Pound. He owned and operated a farm in the town of Pound and also was employed for the Graetz Mfg. Co., Pound for 13 years. He lived his entire life in Section 6 in the town of Pound. Leo worked for the Marinette County Elderly Services for 20 years delivering meals. Leo was a lifelong member and historian of the Pioneer Baptist Church, Pound; helped found the Faith Christian School where he was a school board member; and was a member of the Kalbes-Seewaid American Legion Post 280 of Coleman.
Surviving are his wife, Eunice Gross of Pound; 11 children: Dale of Green Bay, Mel (Kristi) of Pound, Carolyn Gross of Slinger, WI; Roger (Susan) of Pound, Judith (Jim) Harley of Denver, CO; Wayne (Nancy) of Coleman, Darryl (Renee) of Pound, Edith (Steve) Tachick of Pound, Dennis (Lori) of Pound, David of Pound, and Janice and fiancé John Harris of Oshkosh; 22 grandchildren, one great-grandson; two sisters, Laverne Cronk of Yucaipa, CA and Linda Jorgenson of Marinette. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Eileen, and two brothers and three sisters.
Friends called at Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, Coleman from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services were held Wednesday at 7 p.m. with Rev. Dennis Reinhold officiating. Interment in the First Baptist Cemetery, Pound. The Coleman American Legion and VFW conducted military rites following the services at the funeral home. "His ambitions in life were God first and raising his family. He was known for his unwavering faith in God and love for his country. He loved the Lord.'