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Rockne “Rocky” Kent Gross

Rockne “Rocky” Kent Gross, 73, of the Kansas City Northland, Mo., passed away March 31, 2023, following an unforeseen accident and brief hospitalization. He died at North Kansas City Hospital with loved ones at his side.

Rockne “Rocky” Kent Gross

Rocky was born April 20, 1949, in Hannibal, Mo., the youngest of three children of Willard Wilson Gross and Lois Louise Harrison Gross. His parents and brother, John “Rusty” Gross, preceded him in death.

Rocky grew up in Palmyra, Mo., and graduated from Palmyra High School. He later received his bachelor’s degree in business from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State) in Kirksville.   He went on to earn a master’s degree in business administration from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg.   

During college, Rocky met the love of his life, Linda Marlene Leake. They were married on June 3, 1972, and soon moved to Kansas City. Rocky and Linda were blessed with two daughters, Andrea and Shawnda, and lived “on the hill” outside of Missouri City for 45 years. 

Rocky worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Kansas City for 36 years.

Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Linda; daughter, Andrea Grow (Gary); and daughter, Shawnda Gross (Keegan Mikessell). He was “Boompa” to five exceptional grandchildren, Allyson (16), Aaron (16), Olivia (14), Tyler (14) and Justin (14), who he loved more than anything.  Rocky also leaves his sister, Tanya Foote (Roger deceased), and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews who loved him dearly. 

He was involved at St. James Catholic Church as a Knight of Columbus and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. He also loved music, especially the Moody Blues and Chicago.

The Rosary will be said at 4 p.m., followed by visitation until 7 p.m., on Wednesday, April 12, at St. James Catholic Church, Liberty, Mo. 

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 13, at St. James Catholic Church, Liberty. The service will be live-streamed through the funeral home. A burial will follow at Missouri City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. James Catholic Church (stjames-liberty.org) or Habitat for Humanity (habitatkc.org).

You may share a message with the family or sign an online guest book via www.parklawnfunerals.com.  Arrangements: Park Lawn Northland Chapel (816) 781-8228.