Funeral Mass for Norma Gross, 75, of Jefferson will be 10:30 am Thursday, April 2, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson.  Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be after 1:00 pm Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson with the family present to greet friends from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm with a Vigil Service to follow at 7:30 pm.

Norma Gross died peacefully at her home with her ten children and other loved ones by her side.

Norma Jeanne White Gross, daughter of Oscar White and Evelyn (Smith) White was born May 24, 1933 in Morton, Minnesota.  She was one of eight children.  Norma graduated from Jefferson High School in 1951.    During her high school years, she excelled as a baton twirler.
On June 30, 1952, Norma married Louis Anthony Gross at Treasure Island, California. To this union ten children were born.   Norma and Louis lived in Jefferson, Beaver, Rodman, Fonda and Tiskilwa, Illinois before returning to Jefferson in 1967. 

Norma was a full time homemaker spending her time raising children.   After her children started school, Norma began her second full time job managing the local convenience store, Four Sons Handy Shops, which is now known as Kum & Go.   She managed the store for 23 years.  Norma enjoyed her customers over the years, and many became good friends.  

In retirement, Norma enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.  She loved being out on her deck and especially looked forward to her annual summer party. 

Norma was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jefferson.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Louis, her granddaughter Rachelle Gross, son-in-law Mike Layland, three brothers and one sister. 

Norma is survived by her children, Veronica Clipperton (Dave) of Jefferson,  Iowa,   Deb Layland (Bruce Christensen) of Audubon,  Iowa,  Michele Meyer (Steve) of Ely, Iowa,  Linda Gross (Jerry Wolterman) of Jefferson, Iowa,  Diana Herring (Jeff) of  Pasadena, Maryland,  Becky Kalitzki (Garry) of Indianola, Iowa,  Mike Gross (Amanda Wiebers) of Boone, Iowa,  Patty Prouty ( Jeff) of Boone, Iowa,  Jim Gross (Audra) of Adel, Iowa,  Dan Gross (Tanja) of Ankeny, Iowa;  two sisters:  Ida Squibb of Jefferson, Iowa, Edna Oftedahl of Kalispell, Montana;  one brother Charles White of Fairfield, Iowa;  23 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren;  other relatives and many friends.