Gross, Irene Elizabeth (Drewes)

Irene Elizabeth (Drewes) Gross, 92, died Oct. 7, 2011. Memorial services will be held in Spring 2012.

Irene was born to John and Verna (Grafenberg) Drewes on March 18, 1919, in Winneshiek County, Iowa. She was baptized at St. Peter's in Eldorado on May 11, 1919, and confirmed in West Union on June 19, 1933.

Irene attended country grade school and graduated from West Union High School in May 1937. In 1942, Irene worked for the Wilson Meat packing family in Chicago. From 1943 to 1944, she worked in Waterloo.

On June 11, 1945, Irene married Chief Motor Machinist Mate Henry L. Gross at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union. After Henry's discharge in September 1945, they started farming in the West Union area. They continued until retirement in 1987. Henry and Irene were blessed with four children: Duncan Lorenz, Reginald Henry, Sarina Jo, and Lee Kirk.

Irene was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Union. She greatly enjoyed her fine life with her love H.L. They shared farming, raising their family, and traveling. Irene enjoyed gardening and visiting with her friends and family.

She is survived by sons, Reginald (Donna) of West Union and Lee (Roxanne) of Beverly Hills, Calif.; daughter, Sarina (Dennis) Chapman of Ankeny; and daughter-in-law, Jean Gross of Manchester. Irene enjoyed 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband, H.L.; her son, Duncan; her brother, Rodney; and her parents.

Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Society, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or to Alice Koempel, 103 North Vine St., West Union, IA 52175.

Published Oct. 13, 2011, in The Gazette