Cover photo for Donna R. Gross's Obituary
Donna R. Gross Profile Photo
1946 Donna 2016

Donna R. Gross

December 24, 1946 — January 20, 2016

Donna R. Gross, age 69, of Appleton, passed away at home with family at her side on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 after a courageous fifteen month battle with Pancreatic cancer. Donna was born on December 24, 1946 in Appleton to the late Russell H. and Annabel J. (Anderson) Beck. She graduated from Appleton West High School in 1965. Donna married the love of her life, Phillip Gross on March 12, 1966 at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Appleton. Together they were blessed with their four children, Lara, Sara, Maggie and Eric.

Over the years, Donna and her family were members of All Saints Episcopal Church of Appleton. Donna was employed by Appleton Medical Center for thirty-six years, most recently as a clerk in medical records; retiring on March 1, 2007.

Donna was so full of life and had many hobbies and interests. She loved family trips, especially to Florida, Door County, St. Germain, and a wonderful Route 66 tour with her husband, in their '96 Corvette. When her children were younger, family camping trips in their motor home were one of her favorite family activities. As a huge Packer fan and season ticket holder, Donna enjoyed cheering on the Green and Gold. She was a talented seamstress, enjoying cross stitching, knitting and especially sewing beautiful Halloween costumes for her kids and grandkids. Donna spent many years in two Corvette Clubs, socializing with her friends and attending car show events with her husband. She was also an avid reader, loved attending arts and craft shows, biking, scrapbooking, walking on the beach and shelling on Sanibel Island. In addition, she enjoyed gardening in her beautiful yard and watching the birds visit her many feeders, the Cardinal being her favorite. She shared her passion and green thumb talent with her children, in their yards. Donna will be remembered for her love of animals, especially her cats Scooter, Beau, Sophie and Grayson.

Above all, Donna's fondest memories were those spent with her family and her grandchildren. She loved attending her children's and her grandchildren's school, sporting and social events.
Donna is survived by her husband of 49 years, Phillip; her four children, Lara (Gary) Brilowski of Appleton, Sara (Lance) Saeger of Eagan, MN, Maggie (Patrick) Garrrigan of Appleton and Eric (Kristin Quilling) Gross of St. Louis Park, MN; seven grandchildren, Alexander Brilowski, Makenzie Saeger, Samuel Saeger, Mikaylah Van Lanen, Sean Garrigan, Daniel Garrigan and Logan Gross; three sisters, Charlene (Larry) Helminen of Tucson, AZ, Susan (Michael) Henderson of Wabeno, WI and Barbara (Jerry) Schimmelpfenning of Appleton; two brothers, Russell Jr. (Susan) Beck of Boscobel, WI and John (Janice) Beck of Waunakee, WI. Donna is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her in-laws, Dr. Harold T. and Georgia (Struthers) Gross.

A memorial service for Donna will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 11:00 am at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME TRI-COUNTY CHAPEL, 1592 S. Oneida Street, Menasha. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 29, 2016 starting at 5:30 pm until 8:30 pm at the funeral home, and again on Saturday 9:30 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am, with Pastor Bruce Clapp officiating. All are welcome to attend, as we'd love for you to share your fond memories of Donna with us.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Donna's name to Fox Valley Humane Society.

The family would like to thank Dr. William Gunther and staff with Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology, the 7th floor staff at Appleton Medical Center, Dr. Charles Cheng of Fox Valley Surgical Associates and ThedaCare Hospice at Home; especially Amy and Jessica for all the wonderful care given to Donna and support to her family.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donna R. Gross, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, January 29, 2022

5:30 - 8:30 pm

Wichmann Funeral Home Tri-County Chapel

1592 Oneida St, Menasha, WI 54952

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Service

Appleton Highland Memorial Park

3131 N Richmond St, Appleton, WI 54911

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