Vernon Joseph 'Vernie' Gross, 93, Hays, died Friday, December 12, 2025 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
He was born April 1, 1932 in Schoenchen, Kansas the son of Joseph J. and Rose (Pfannenstiel) Gross. On June 11, 1955 he was united in marriage to Virginia 'Jeannie' Riedel in St. Peter. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary earlier this year. Vernie was a U.S. Army veteran during the Korean War and received the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was a truck driver for L.E. Whitlock Trucking and R.C. Williams, Inc., and was part owner of 4-Way Trucking, Inc. until his retirement. After retirement, he started a new career at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School as a custodian and helping in the lunchroom. Vernie received the Point of Light Award from TMP-M in 2021, in addition to an Honorary Diploma for his years of dedication and service in the maintenance and grounds department.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Hays VFW Post #9076, the St. Joseph Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #1325, and the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. Vernie enjoyed working and painting walls and houses, and was very dedicated to TMP-M and loved his interactions with staff and students. He was a devout Catholic who lived his faith, often prayed the rosary, and was diligent in being the first or second to arrive at Sunday mass. He deeply loved his wife, children, and grandchildren, and memories of Vernie will be treasured by all.
Survivors include his wife, of Hays, two sons Steve Gross and wife Sheri of Colorado Springs, and Scott Gross and wife Teresa of Hays, a daughter Steph Gross-Garlow and husband Derik of Overland Park, Kansas, a brother Jerry Gross and wife Sylvia of Munjor, three sisters Jo Ann Dreiling and husband Norman, Geraldine Kindel and husband Don, and Mary Anderson and husband Troy, all of Victoria, a sister-in-law Linda Gross of Munjor, grandchildren CJ Hathaway (Joe), John Gross (Shannon), Shandi Gross (Chris Baddaker), Sophia Gross, and Juliet Gross, step grandchildren Holly Bales (John), Mimina Bailey (Jesse), Gabrielle Bau (Michael Benallo), and Michael Bau, a great granddaughter Louisa Hathaway, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son Stephen J. Gross, brothers Kenny Gross (Shirley), Harold Gross (Viola), Leon Gross, and Les Gross, sisters Patty Dreiling (Vernie) and Kay VonLintel (Dennis), and a brother-in-law Cletus Brungardt.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Munjor. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Saturday at the church. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 pm, a parish vigil will be at 6:30 pm, followed by a combined third and fourth degree Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to TMP Endowment or for masses. Condolences and memories of Vernie may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com