Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Peter “Pete” William Gross, of Pierceton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at the age of 83.
He came to know Jesus as his Savior as an adult, and his life was radically changed. He joined the Gideons International in 1973 and traveled the world handing out Bibles and Gospel tracts. His lifelong passion was to share the good news that Jesus forgave him and that the same offer of new life is available to all who will trust in Jesus.
A lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, Pete was born June 18, 1942, in Warsaw. He was the third of six children born to Charles Wilber Gross and Wilma Grace Norman Gross. He graduated from Warsaw High School in 1960 and was later drafted to serve in the Army. Pete served two years from 1964-1966, serving the last five months of his tour in Vietnam.
He married Ada Elizabeth Benzing on Sept. 10, 1965, and they were blessed with 60 years of marriage together. Pete graduated from Commercial Trade Institute on July 9, 1974, and ran his own construction company for most of his working years. Pete was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to many. He would most want to be remembered for his faith in his Savior Jesus Christ.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Ada Gross, Pierceton; two sons, Peter (Elizabeth) Gross Jr., Warsaw; Vern (Steffanie) Gross, Pierceton; and his daughter, Julie Gross, Larwill. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; as well as two brothers, Fred Gross, Stevensville, Mont.; and Joe Gross, Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and his sister.
Friends and family may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11 at Pleasant View Bible Church, 2782 W. CR 200N, Warsaw, as well as an hour prior to the service on Friday, Dec. 12 from 9 to 10 a.m. Pete’s life will be celebrated with a service at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12 at the church and officiated by his son, Peter Gross Jr. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw with military rites conducted by members of the American Legion Post #49 and V.F.W. #1126, both of Warsaw, as well as active-duty members of the Army Honor Guard. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.
Memorial donations in Pete’s memory may be directed to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 766, Winona Lake, IN 46590-0766; or to Pleasant View Bible Church, 2782 W. 200 N., Warsaw, IN 46580.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s Web Site at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
