Wilma Priscilla Gross, 89, of Strasburg, ND, died July 8, 2024 in the Strasburg Care Center.  Memorial graveside services will be held at 10:00am, Monday, July 22, 2024 at the ND Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

Wilma was born in Wishek, ND on September 6, 1934 to Martha (Schilling) and Emanuel Benkendorf.  She was raised on the family farm near Wishek and attended Wishek Public School where she graduated in 1952.  Following high school, she went to Minneapolis, MN where she worked at a bank.  On April 27, 1957 she married Andrew Gross and they made their home just outside of Wishek, where they raised their four children.

Wilma was a hard working and dedicated employee, who spent most of her career caring for others at the Wishek Nursing Home.  She loved the outdoors, always having a big, beautiful garden, enjoyed doing yardwork and going for walks.

She loved having her grandchildren over for sleepovers.  Wilma was a quiet, strong, caring person.  She enjoyed Christmas.  She loved to decorate her large, beautiful Christmas tree.  She also enjoyed spending time with her family and making her famous, delicious homemade caramel candies.

Wilma is survived by her loving family,  Daughters:  Gail (Terry) Phelps, Soda Springs, ID, Janice (Gerald) Nitschke, Linton, ND, Patty (Rich) Eszlinger Niesent, Belle Fourche, SD and her son, Larry (Leslie) Gross, Mandan, ND; 10 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; her brother, Ray (Rachel) Benkendorf and a sister, Terry (Chuck) Schauer, Sioux Falls, SD and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Andrew; sisters: Mildred and infant sister, Stella; and her brother, Stanley.