Herbert K. Gross Obituary
Surrounded by his closest family, Herb Gross, a devoted husband, cherished father, beloved Papa, and a man whose life revolved around the people he loved most, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the age of 72.
Herb was born on October 27, 1953, to the late Herbert and Ella Gross and bled Menomonee Falls through and through. Whether pouring himself into countless projects, connecting with members of the community, or quite literally growing Menomonee Falls one acre at a time, Herb always made sure family remained at the center of everything he did. Those who knew Herb knew he was always unmistakably himself. He had a way of making family wherever he went, always bringing along his eye-rolling humor and playful competitiveness. If he was within earshot of a shuffling deck of cards or a foosball hitting the back of a goal, there was little doubt where Herb was headed next.
Herb is survived by his best friend and beloved wife of 46 years, Teri (née Mazza), and the four children they raised and loved with all their hearts: Gena (Kyle) Ische, Dominic (Stacy) Gross, Adam (Anne) Gross, and Anna (Nick) Koepke. One of Herb's greatest joys, however, was the next generation: the eleven grandchildren who proudly called him 'Papa': Lucas, Piper, Grayson, Wyatt, Hallie, Ella, Elsie, Carter, Vinny, Evelyn, and Claire. All eleven spent countless hours sitting in Papa Herb's lap as he completed the daily crossword puzzle, waiting alongside him for a fish to bite, and discovering they had a long way to go if they ever wanted to defeat the family card champion.
Herb built Auburn Homes and The Continental Divide Company from the ground up and was later joined by "Butchie", strengthening their brotherly bond that Herb treasured deeply. Herb's search for the next project to bring families into the community never stopped. He was a builder in every sense of the word: building homes, forging lasting relationships, strengthening his community, and creating a life centered around his greatest love: family.
His passion for Menomonee Falls extended well beyond his work. A proud member of the Optimist Club and Milwaukee Metropolitan Builders Association, Herb devoted his time and energy to numerous organizations serving the community he loved. His immense contributions to the Scholarship Foundation helped provide a significant endowment and later earned him a place on the Menomonee Falls High School Wall of Honor. But more than any recognition, Herb will be remembered for the relationships he formed and his devotion to the community he called home.
Herb also leaves behind his siblings: dear brother of Julia (William) Davis, Jeanne (Daniel) Smith, Mary (the late Alton) Olson, and Peter (Deb) Gross; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Chuck (the late Mary) Mazza, Marie Schick, Dennis (Carol) Mazza, Barb (the late John) McDonald, and Marge (Randy) Schumann. He is further survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
The shining light of Herb's life was unquestionably Teri, whom he adored. Through every chapter of their life together, Teri was Herb's partner in both adventure and home. Whether the two were setting out for another ski trip or opening their doors to bring people together, the walls of their home have seen it all: countless Italian cooking sprees, wonderfully chaotic family gatherings, and the occasional Nerf war—perhaps the ultimate testament to Herb's craftsmanship! To honor Herb's memory, in lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to Accompany of Kids (AOK) (https://www.aokwi.org) and/or the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry, continuing his commitment to the community he loved.
Visitation will be on Sunday, September 27, from 3:00 p.m. until a short prayer at 7:00 p.m. at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home – Menomonee Falls, N84 W17937 Menomonee Ave. Additional visitation will be on Monday, September 28, from 10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m. with a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church; W220 N6588 Town Line Rd., Menomonee Falls.
Teri and the entire Gross, Ische, and Koepke family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the thoughts, prayers, love, and support they have received during this sudden and difficult time. The outpouring of kindness is a beautiful reflection of the love Herb shared with the many people he welcomed into his life. We'd especially like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the ICU and Neurology staff at Maine Medical Center. Their dedication, compassion, and comfort were an incredible source of strength.
We find comfort imagining Herb pheasant hunting again with all his furry friends, dealing another hand of cribbage with his parents, and continuing to watch over his family as they do their best to carry on his love of family and life. He will be missed more than words could ever express.
We'll see you when we see you, Herbie.
