Uwe L. Gross Obituary (1940 - 2019)

Uwe Leonhard Gross, age 78, died of natural causes on September 9th 2019, surrounded by his family, in Surprise, Arizona. Uwe is survived by his wife, Cliona Gross of 51 years; his son, Jarret Gross and wife Kelly; daughter Deirdre Coots and husband Zach; and daughter Tanya Dickinson and husband Peter. Uwe was also the proud Opa to eight loving grandchildren, who were the apples of his eye. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Margaret Gross, and his son, Dean Gross. Uwe was born on November 13, 1940 in Posen, Germany, to parents Leo and Margaret Gross. His family survived WWII and immigrated to the United States in 1952 to fulfill their American dream. Uwe graduated from the University of Tulsa, OK in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1957 and proudly served for fourteen years. During his time in the Navy, Uwe met the love of his life, Cliona. Upon leaving the Navy, Uwe and Cliona lived from Pennsylvania, to Oregon, and finally on to Alaska the place of their dreams. They lovingly raised their four children while enjoying the vast Alaskan country, hunting, camping, fishing, traveling and raising family. After 20 years as the CEO of Koniag, Incorporated, Uwe retired in 2003. He and Cliona settled in Wickenburg, Arizona, where they enjoyed the community and desert lifestyle. Uwe was a devoted father and loving husband and family and friends will always remember him as a man of great integrity and conviction. The family would like to thank the Hospice of the Valley and Avenir Memory Care at Surprise for their wonderful and unyielding care of Uwe during his final days. A celebration of life will be held on November 24, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Wickenburg Cemetery.