Scott Gross

Scott Gross, age 53, of DeKalb, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 26, 2018. Gone before his time, Scott now claims the promise of his Lord and Savior and is rejoicing in heaven.
He was born September 30, 1965, in Elgin, IL, to proud parents, Ralph and Marta (Dehler) Gross.
Scott grew up Elgin and attended local schools. He graduated from Larkin High School with the class of 1983. The highlight of his time at Larkin wasn’t scholastic, but romantic, when he met Judy Feece. A chance meeting at a local gym led to a first date… a whole year later, but it was worth the wait when they had their first kiss. Scott would routinely drive 45 minutes one way, just to spend five minutes with Judy. A bond based on trust, faithfulness and a deep abiding love was the foundation of 32 years of marriage that began on September 21, 1985.
They made their home in various places in both Illinois and Florida over the years, but their address never mattered, only the love they shared and the memories they made. They would welcome five children into their family and no one was happier than Scott when he was surrounded by his wife and children. They lived in Elburn for a time before buying a farm in Ashton, IL, eventually settling in DeKalb.
Scott started his first full time job when he was 15 years old working on a horse farm, and held a variety of manual positions, until he found his niche operating a computer network for a local school district. Eventually, the City of Rochelle was lucky to find him and he made a name for himself over the next twelve years, leaving a labyrinth of code and a network that had his name all over it. He also returned to his farming roots when helped on his father-in-law’s farm.
Scott’s life was founded on his love for his savior and his passion for his family. He was a self-made man with a myriad of talents and a work ethic that was strong as oak. He elevated hobbies to an art form and had a meticulous spirit of ingenuity that seemed to have no end. He excelled at whatever he set his mind to accomplish; from computers and networks to farming, blacksmithing and raising bees. He loved the outdoors and everything that came with it. Camping and hunting were second nature as well as his affinity for mushrooms and herpetology (the study of reptiles). Most recently, genealogy became a passion that pervaded his life. He worked tirelessly and reveled in his family’s history, loving all the details that made his family tree come alive. In recent years, Scott immersed himself in the wrestling community, supporting his youngest son at countless meets. Scott’s selfless nature and compassionate heart made him a faithful and loyal friend to those he embraced. His faith was his bedrock and all things were built upon the foundation of his love for Jesus Christ. That faith, work ethic, and natural ability were passed down to his children who were taught to love God, serve others, and always be true to one another. Scott showed through word and deed that you can find honor in humble sacrifice and that family is the most important thing. He was never happier than when surrounded by his family, whether it is around the kitchen table, campfire or in the stands cheering the loudest. The shadow of his loss will loom large, but the lessons he taught will shine forever.
He is survived by his loving wife Judy; five children: Brian (Karalyn) Gross (with an baby on the way); Brent (Jackie) Gross and their children: Brayden and Hailie; Rachel (Stephan) Jennings and their son Eli; Brad Gross and Grace Gross; his parents, Ralph and Marta Gross; two siblings: Mark (Nikki) Gross and Kris (David) Wick; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a countryside of friends.
Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, December 2, 2018, The Church in DeKalb, 1600 E. Lincoln Hwy. DeKalb, IL. A funeral service to celebrate his life will follow at 5 p.m. Private family interment will follow cremation at a later date. Scott was not one to wear a suit, so the family wishes for all who attend to be comfortable and dress casually.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Scott’s name. Checks may be made to the “Scott Gross Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

A funeral service to celebrate his life will follow at 5 p.m.

Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, December 2, 2018, The Church in DeKalb, 1600 E. Lincoln Hwy. DeKalb, IL.

Private family interment will follow cremation at a later date.