Obituary – Gary Clifford Grose
Gary Clifford Grose was born September 17, 1942, to Bert Clifford Grose and Mary Tennessee Glick Grose on their farm north of Tingley, IA. Gary passed away at home June 5, 2026.
Gary fondly talked about being born north of Tingley, IA, moving to what is now known as the Hoover Angus Farm around the age of 6, and later driving the tractor with the flatbed trailer loaded to the family farm southwest of Kellerton, IA around the age of 8, with his dad following in the loaded pickup and his mom giving his dad an earful the whole way for letting Gary drive the tractor that far.
Gary attended school beginning in Arispe, IA and graduating from Kellerton High School. Gary was a dedicated farmer and loved working the land and raising cattle. Even though he had retired, he still kept a close eye on the crops and livestock and enjoyed riding with Brian to check the cows when he could.
In 1992, he became reacquainted with Nancy Wicker Deemer at the Kellerton 4th of July celebration where she was attending with “that cute little girl” (aka Nichelle). He laughed at how Nichelle was carrying on and caught his attention, which started the conversations with him and Nancy. He lovingly reminisced about their many conversations, and he got the nerve up to drive to Grand River to see her and visit. He said it wasn’t long, and he asked her out for supper, which soon became a regular outing for them. Gary and Nancy were united in marriage on January 17, 1993, and that is when their many trips to Branson, MO began.
As they honeymooned in Branson, they found they enjoyed seeing the many shows there. While watching channel 11 one afternoon, Gary discovered the Dutton Family performing in Branson and decided he would like to go see them in person. As soon as the hay got put up, they were off! Two or three times a year, year after year they would go. They watched the Dutton children, that they began going to see, grow into adulthood and their children that followed perform for 32 years, as well as Clay Cooper, and truly were living their best life.
Gary loved his family and spending time with each and every one. He was so proud to become a grandfather and beamed in his “I’m a Grandpa” cap when Jake was born. He and Nancy attended numerous ballgames of all sports through the years cheering on each and every one of their grandchildren that played.
He loved a good game of cribbage as well and would challenge anyone willing to sit for a game, or until you gave, with him.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; Bert and Mary Grose; his wife Nancy Grose; and his brother Larry Grose; father and mother in-law Donald and Alice Wicker; and sister-in-law Donna Deemer.
Gary is survived by his stepchildren Brian Deemer (Kim Jackson) of Grand River, IA, Lori Deemer (Brian Moore) of Creston, IA, and Kerri Jones (Kenny Jones) of Creston, IA, 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, nephew David Grose, nieces Angela Kolesari and Jennifer Grose, and many more family and friends.
Services will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Kellerton United Methodist Church. A private burial occurred at the Grand River Cemetery. Memorials are to the Kellerton United Methodist Church and the Kellerton Community Building. Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.
