Gertrud "Gerda" Gross

Gertrud Gross, 80, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on September 17, 2025. Services will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Family will greet guests following the service.

Gerda was born on August 17, 1945 to Corneilius and Anna Schneppenheim in Dirmerzheim, West Germany. Following high school Gerda enjoyed the freedom of working and spending time with her friends. She met Norman, who was serving in the U.S. Army, in a disco club in Germany. The couple married March 10, 1972 and traveled to various countries during Norman’s tenure. Ten years later they started their family while in Germany, moved state-side to Georgia where their daughter was born and returned to Germany. Later, the family moved to Iowa where Norman was from - and spent time hosting family cookouts, and attending sporting and choir events for the children. Gerda’s yard was her treasure where she enjoyed gardening and bird watching.

She is survived by her husband, Norman; son, Kenneth (Tiffany) Gross; daughter, Michelle Gadbury; grandchildren, Matthew Gadbury and Tinley Gross; and her nephew, Alois Breuer.

Gerda was preceded in death by her parents; her still-born son; and siblings, Maria Breuer and Gerhardt Schneppenheim.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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