Terry M. Gross

On Thursday April 18, 2024, Terry Michael Gross, the man we have been honored to call husband, Dad, and Papa, quietly stepped into the arms of Jesus. 

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday April 21, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Dubuque with a Rosary said by the Knights of Columbus starting at 2:40 p.m. A Wake Service will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the church. Additional visitation will be held after 9:00 a.m. on Monday at the church until the time of Mass.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday April 22, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Dubuque. Private family burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Asbury, Iowa. 

Terry was born on October 11, 1953 in Cascade, Iowa to Leo “Buck” and Virginia Gross. He was the younger brother to his sister, Barb, and his brother Dave. He graduated from Aquin High School in Cascade in 1971, and went on to study education at Loras College, where he graduated in 1975. 

Terry was a beloved teacher for 43 years at schools including St. Columbkille, Grundy Center, Petersburg, Xavier in Dyersville, Benton Community in Atkins, and then Dubuque Community Schools, ending his career as a sixth grade language arts teacher at Roosevelt Middle School from 2005 to 2018. In 2008, he received the Gold Star Teacher Award for his amazing efforts in the classroom. 

He married his amazing wife, Debbie, on June 29, 1984, and they would have celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary this summer. Terry and Debbie have two daughters, Kate and Megan. Terry delighted in being their dad and was so proud when they both chose to follow him into the field of education. 

Terry was also the best “Papa” to his five grandchildren. He was their biggest fan at basketball and soccer games, dance recitals, gymnastics meets, and more. 

Terry was a longtime active member of Saint Anthony Church, participating in Emmaus Weekends, faith formation, and Knights of Columbus. 

In retirement, Terry became a dedicated staff member at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. He loved working in the box office and welcoming guests from far and wide. 

In his free time, Terry loved reading, walking, biking, traveling, listening to music, and spending quality time with family and friends. He will be remembered for always, for the big things and the small, like the twinkle in his eyes as he laughed hardest at his own jokes, or the content look on his face as he enjoyed a “Terry bowl” of ice cream. 

Terry is survived by his wife, Debbie, his daughters, Kate (Tommy) Lange, and Megan (Michael) Berns, his five grandchildren, Addie, Jack, and Will Lange, and Matthew, and Maria Berns, his brother Dave (Norma) Gross, his sister Barb (Kate Ridge) Gross, many sister and brother-in-laws, nieces, and nephews, cousins, and beloved friends. 

Terry was preceded in death by his parents Leo “Buck” and Virginia (Cigrand) Gross, and his father-in-law R.W. “Bill” Staebell. 

Terry’s family would like to extend a thank you to the family and friends who have surrounded them these last weeks and months, and a special thank you to the angels who call themselves Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care and support of Terry. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials will go to support the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Hospice of Dubuque, and Saint Anthony Church.

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