Patricia Geraldine (Burke) Gross, 93, of Omaha, NE, formerly of Eau Claire, died on, Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at her daughter's residence surrounded by her loving family. Patricia was born on February 27, 1923, in Sioux City, IA, to the late Raymond and Florine (Kost) Burke. Patricia graduated from St. Theresa Grade School in Lincoln, NE; St. Mary's High School for Girls in Omaha, NE, in 1940; and La Grange Township Jr. College, La Grange, IL. She also studied at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in the horticulture department. After college, Patricia worked in the General Offices of Cudahy Packaging Company in their communications division of Telephone, Telegraph and Teletype. She then joined the United States Coast Guard Spars – Basic Training in West Palm Beach, FL. She was later transferred to the Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and worked in the Air and Sea Rescue. She served in the Coast Guard from 1943 to 1945 as Yeoman 2 Class. Patricia was proud to have served her country and respected the Flag of the United States of America. On September 20, 1944, Patricia married Joseph W. Gross, after his graduation from Columbia University as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. They were married in St. Frances Church in a Grange, IL. A year later, she received a medical discharge from the Coast Guard to have their first of eight children. Patricia was a charter member of St. Margaret Mary's Church in Omaha, NE, and served for 23 years as a volunteer in the grade school holding virtually every position. She was instrumental in having the city erect the first highway overpass for school children. Education was very important, to her, for her family. Her most grateful accomplishment was that she and her husband were able to give all of their eight children a Catholic education through the high school and some of them through Catholic colleges and universities. She sang in the Funeral Choir and started the Senior Club with her husband at Immaculate Conception Parish in Eau Claire. She was a Caritas and USO Volunteer. She was a member of The Retired Enlisted Association, VFW #305. Patricia was in the insurance business with her husband and served as President of TSAA, Inc. Patricia loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed baking and cooking for others, flowers and her gardening, and reading. Her husband, Joe, preceded her in death on December 13, 1993; parents, brother, Tom Burke; and a sister, Dorothy Donnelly. Patricia is survived by her eight children, Joseph W. (Jane) Gross, Mary P. (William) McCafferty, Michael J. (Becky Stewart-Gross) Gross, Anne C. Gross, Jane E. (Randall) Linton, William R. (Dahlia) Gross, Margaret B. (Jack) Minton and Elizabeth (Joey) Valinoti; twelve grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and a sister, Shirley Hennebry. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 27, 2016, at Newman Parish, at the Ecumenical Religious Center, 110 Garfield Ave. in Eau Claire, WI with Father Frank Corradi officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the Newman Parish. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, with Military Honors conducted by VFW Post 305. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Service Information

Cemetery

Calvary Cemetery 4100 S Hastings Way Eau Claire WI 54701

Mass of Christian Burial

Monday, June 27 2016 3:00 AM

Newman Parish, at the Ecumenical Religious Center 110 Garfield Avenue Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Monday, June 27 2016 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Newman Parish, at the Ecumenical Religious Center 110 Garfield Avenue Eau Claire WI 54701