Christopher Gross

Christopher René Gross

May 16, 1969 – May 18, 2024

Christopher René Gross, 55, of Carlisle, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center following a sudden cardiac arrest.

In keeping with Chris's wishes, an informal celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, September 30th, at 6:00 PM at Pagliai's Restaurant in Grinnell—his favorite restaurant. He had planned to visit Pagliai's in Johnston with his wife Pam, in celebration of his release from the hospital.

Chris was born on May 16, 1969, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Terry and Danielle (Mitchell) Gross. He grew up in Grinnell and graduated with the Grinnell High School Class of 1987, where he was active in football, baseball, and the school band. Chris later attended Des Moines Area Community College, where he pursued his passion for auto mechanics. He worked for many years at Budget Brake until a workplace accident in 2007 brought his career to an early end.

Chris married Pam, and together they built a life in Indianola before settling in Carlisle in 2023. With their union, Chris gained two stepsons, Isiah and Alex Hernandez, whom he loved dearly. They looked up to him as their father, often seeking his advice and guidance.

Known for his kind heart and juvenile sense of humor, Chris had a talent for making people laugh with his spot-on impressions. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers—fittingly, he and Pam first connected in a Packers online chat room! In his spare time, he enjoyed playing video games, particularly NCAA Football and Madden NFL. Chris lived a simple yet fulfilling life, which is exactly how he preferred it. He was a devoted husband, a cherished stepdad, a loving son, and a protective big brother.

Chris will be deeply missed by his wife Pam; his stepsons, Isiah and Alex Hernandez, both of Phoenix, Arizona; his brother Mitch (Melanie) Gross of Coralville, Iowa, and their children, Zola, Mary Danielle, and Elsie; as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins, and his loyal beagle, Nico. He was preceded in death by his parents, Terry and Danielle, and his brother Mike.

Chris's kindness, humor, and love for his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.