John Jacob Gross, 83, Sidney, passed away at 5:17 p.m. April 3, 2013, at Wilson Memorial Hospital.

He was born Nov. 8, 1929, in Shelby County to Albert and Emma Wildermuth Gross. On July 29, 1950, he was married to Belva June Haines, who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Candy (Dick Ford) Weitzel of Celina and Patricia (John) Meyer of Mason; six grandchildren, Douglas Weitzel, Dustin (Becky) Weitzel, Daniel(Brandy) Weitzel, David (Jenn) Weitzel, Mary Ann Meyer and Elizabeth Meyer; four great-grandchildren, Katie, Emily, Carson and Waylen Weitzel; and three sisters, Edna O'Quinn of Sidney, Opal Markley of Jackson Center and Stella Kohler of Wapakoneta.

He was preceded in death by three sisters, Luella Wittenbrink, Erma Long and Clara Shroyer; and one brother, Roy Gross.

He was a graduate of Jackson Center High School, class of 1949. He was retired from LeRoi, where he worked as a lathe operator for 32 years. He was a member of St. Jacob Lutheran Church in Jackson Center. He also was a member of the Sidney Moose Lodge and was one of the first members of the Civil Defense in Sidney.

He enjoyed fishing and especially loved taking his grandsons on fishing trips to Rice Lake in Canada. He also liked working in his nephew's woods, where he cut down dead trees, split wood and simply enjoyed the quiet peacefulness the forest provided. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday at Cromes Funeral Home in Sidney, the Rev. Joe F. Pumphrey officiating. Burial will be at Glen Cemetery in Port Jefferson.

Calling is 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be left at www.cromesfh.com.