OBITUARY...
Marshall Gross, 70, of Rapid City passed away at home on November 15, 2017. He was born on July 5, 1947 to Charles and Minnie (Poston) Gross in Shelbyville, IN. Marshall came from a military family, and signed up for the Military in 1968. He served in the Army and was stationed in Germany.
During Marshall’s life he had many passions. When he was young he was the class clown and often called Marshmallow. He started riding motorcycles in his teen years and continue riding throughout his life. He was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association and was so proud of his beautiful “PINK” trike. He had a love of music; singing, playing the guitar and jamming to the radio as he tinkered in the garage. He enjoyed cooking and was a chef at the historic Alex Johnson.

Marshall was an active member of the South Dakota National Guard in 1972. His unit was called to action after the June 9th flood that caused so much destruction in Rapid City and the surrounding area. He spent many days assisting with the cleanup and recovery effort. He was also a member of the Haines Avenue and Rapid Valley Volunteer Fire Department. He had a heart to help others. Marshall loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His blended family began in 1982 when he married Marlene Cox. As his family grew he entertained them with his silliness. He played Santa Claus at Christmas, taught them how to ride motorcycles and would sing his heart out. He also could play the “air trumpet” like no other.Marshall was easy to talk to and always had time to listen. He never shied away from a good joke or the opportunity to pull a prank on his fellow worker.Marshall was employed for 32 years as a civil servant at Ellsworth Air Force Base. As grounds manager, his department kept the runways clear and the grounds immaculate. It was said that nobody could mow the grass and have it turn out looking as good as he could. After his retirement in 2002, he took on several jobs doing night security.Marshall enjoyed his retirement. He loved watching his westerns and John Wayne was his hero. In his younger years he owned a few horses and Festas was his pal. As time marched on he was blessed to have several indoor furry, four legged companions. Lucy and Sophie knew that when he sat in his recliner and the T.V. came on, that was their cue to jump up into his lap.

Marshall is survived by his wife, Marlene, of Rapid City, SD; his son, Gary (Cathy) Gross of Rapid City, SD; daughters, Brenda Gray (Heather) of Colorado Springs, CO, Brenda (David) Clark of Rapid City, SD, Donna (Tom) Mitchell of Black Hawk, SD, and Diana Stone of Rapid City, SD; his sister, Marie (Eugene) Kast of Rapid City, SD, eleven grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, one son and a brother.At Marshall’s request, a graveside service will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery on Monday, November 20th, 2017 at 3:00 pm. Following the service, there will be a light meal provided by the ladies group of Bible Christian Church.