Joan A Gross

Joan Arlene Gross (nee Whetstone), of Fort Myers, FL, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2017 in Montgomery, Alabama, where she had gone to escape Hurricane Irma with her husband, Vernon. There she suffered heart failure and left us for a better world. She was born on June 9, 1931, the daughter of Thurl and Marie (nee Sheeber) Whetstone. Joan graduated from Thornton County High School in Harvey, IL, attended Bryant Stratton College and went to work for Whiting Crane Mfg. in Harvey, IL. Subsequently she entered United Airlines Stewardess training in Cheyenne, Wyoming, graduated, and worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines. On February 4, 1961 she married Vernon Gross in Merrill, WI. Joan enjoyed bowling, golf, and was an avid tennis fan. In recent years a stroke crippled her right side, but did not diminish her love for the things about her and she will always be remembered that way.
She is lovingly survived by her husband of 56 years, Vernon, along with her son Vernon Kalvin of Iron River, WI; daughter Mary Sue French of Naples, FL; and grandchildren Daniel and Noah of Naples. She is further survived by other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, step-brothers Ted and Diverl and step-sister Phyllis.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, September 30 from 1:00 p.m. until the 3:00 p.m. funeral service at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave. Waukesha. Burial will be held on Monday, October 2 at St. Florian Cemetery in Ino, WI at 2:30 p.m. Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory and Preplanning Services is honored to serve the family. For further information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit our website at www.randledable.com for directions or to leave the family an online tribute message.