Eugene Wesley Gross, 80
Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 1 hour, 8 minutes AGO
Eugene Wesley Gross, 80, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Sandpoint, Idaho. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Kootenai Community Church with Pastor Jim Osman officiating.
Gene was born Oct. 6, 1945, in New Castle, Ind., he graduated from Boone High School in Orlando, Fla. He then served his country, in the United States Army, as a Green Beret during Vietnam. After his military service he attended Valencia Community College.
Gene married Nathelle Johnston on July 16, 1976, in Orlando. Gene earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida. He worked as a tech writer for computer manuals. After his retirement in Durham, North Carolina, in 1998, the family moved to Sandpoint and Gene built a cabin on Upper Pack River.
In 2006, he earned a master’s degree in counseling and became an ordained minister. He also taught at the local Christian schools.
Gene is a member of Kootenai Community Church, the American Legion, NRA and supported the Disabled American Vets and Paralyzed Vets of America. He was an expert marksman and enjoyed shooting guns, gardening, reading, and welding.
He is survived by his wife, Nathelle Gross of Sagle, Idaho; daughter, Jennifer (Frank) Pidala of Tampa, Fla.; son, Stephen (Jamie) Gross of Wadsworth, Ohio; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and five siblings.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Gross; and sister, Karen Moss.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Gene’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.