John Arthur Gross

John Arthur Gross was born December 12, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois. He passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was the son of Wayne and Ada (Hostetler) Gross and lived a life marked by faith, hard work, and devotion to those he loved.

John lived his entire life in Central Illinois. He remembers his childhood fondly, growing up in the Lowpoint-Washburn area. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in Agricultural Engineering, he met Carol Altes. They married on Thanksgiving Day in 1975. Together, they raised five children and shared nearly 43 years of marriage.

John was a faithful member of Roanoke Mennonite Church for more than 40 years. He taught Sunday School for many years and enjoyed volunteering at the Illinois Mennonite Relief Sale. His relationship with God was the foundation of his life, and his faith was reflected in the kindness, integrity, and compassion he showed to others.

John enjoyed many interests throughout his life. He was a loyal fan of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini, the San Francisco Giants, and the sport of tennis. He loved the challenge of a game of chess and especially enjoyed playing the game of 42 with family and friends.

Professionally, John worked for Morton Buildings for 25 years. Following his engineering career, he became a truck driver, most notably with Pyles Trucking in Goodfield.

John is survived by his children, Patricia Lehman and her husband Jason; Katie Worthen and her husband, Ryan; Cynthia Gross; Josh Gross and his life partner, Anna Davila; and Tim Gross and his wife Autumn. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Elijah, Hannah, Abigail, Emily, Oliver, and Andy; his sister, Luanne Ramer and her husband, Steve; his brother-in-law, Lyle Altes and his wife, Sheri; his nephew John Altes; and his nieces, Jennie Weeden and Chrystal Ramer. He also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends and fellow church members.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Gross; his parents, Wayne and Ada (Hostetler) Gross; and his sister, Maggie; his nephews, Jason and Joe Altes; and niece, Bonnie Ramer.

His legacy lives on through his family, his church community, and the many lives he touched throughout the years. As it says in Matthew 25:23 "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Roanoke Mennonite Church with Reverend Frank Kandel officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel and also from 9:00 am until service time on Friday at the church. Burial will be at Stewart Harmony Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roanoke Mennonite Church, 1195 County Road 1600 E, Eureka, IL 61530. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.