Danny Gross
Dan Gros s was the fourth child born to Rita Gross (Tiernan) and the late William “Bud” Gross on January 29, 1954, in Faulkton, South Dakota, joining three older sisters, whom he said “sharpened his fighting skills.” He often quipped, “you think you are tough, try growing up with five sisters!” After two more sisters were born, Dan finally got his brother. But by then, he had decided one of his sisters could become a brother, so he cut off her long hair, gave her matching trunks and named her Mike. Mike also became the name of one of his first dogs who had a brother named Maximillian. This began Dan’s lifelong love of dogs who were lucky enough to call him master. Jimmy was his most recent and beloved rescue dog who had the pleasure of eating steak or brisket or whatever Dan was barbequing in his adopted Lonestar State of Texas which he fiercely loved. Dan or “Captain Dan” as the locals in Rockport, Port Aransas, Port O’Connor and Port Lavaca called him, found his life’s joy and profession piloting tugboats, running oilfield supply boats or fishing boats out of Fisherman’s Wharf. Called a respected captain wherever he went, even at his corner stool at Shorty’s Place, he was always ready with a witty story, as salty as the sea. His family and friends are brokenhearted that Captain Dan passed away suddenly from a massive stroke in Port Lavaca, Texas on February 23, 2024, and while he fought to stay with us a bit longer, the damage he suffered was far too great for even the toughest old boat captain to handle. As one of his captain buddies recently expressed so well: Farewell Captain Dan. Your final ship has sailed…. you are free to sail on…You made a big splash in our lives. So long Captain – till the next time.”
Dan loved his sons Nate and Jacob and was just beginning to learn the joys of grandparenting to Wyatt, Maverick and Ella. He had hoped to pass along his considerable outlaw guitar picking skills to his grands, but his repertoire of Led Zepplin, Allman Brother and Deep Purple may have scared them off! A lover of rock and roll, Dan and friends formed The Blue Beagles band in the late 60’s and had some notoriety in central South Dakota as “the coolest” with their rendition of Wipeout! Later Dan definitely was a child of Woodstock and with his many close friends from the class of 1972.
Dan spent his early childhood on the family farm in Burdette, South Dakota and attended Catholic Boarding School in Zell along with his three older sisters. Never a fan of being away from home, Dan was happy when the family moved to Huron where he attended St. Martins Catholic School and Huron Junior and Senior High School. Dan loved to say his formal education was received at reform school – how could we forget Plankington! Whenever a fight broke out at school, Dan supported the underdog. This trait continued throughout his entire life. Dan championed the outlaws, the misfits and non-conformists. “Captain Dan gave me a chance when no one else would,” was a sentiment expressed by lots of characters with whom Dan associated. Dan’s defining characteristics can be found in the hundreds of comments from friends on his Facebook page: “the quickest wit I ever knew” “hilarious, “unique sense of humor”, “one of a kind, “ “left a real mark in the world,” “a charm to be with,” “always smiling and always laughing,” “honest and sincere,” “funniest, smart witted guy and ever so kind,” “a true maverick,” “my best friend.”
Left with many colorful memories are his sons Nate Gross of Minneapolis, MN, Jacob (Shelby) Gross of Corpus Christi, TX, grandchildren Wyatt, Maverick and Ella of Corpus Christi, Dan’s 95 year old mother, Rita Gross of Huron, South Dakota, his siblings Cindy Sescher of Omaha, NE, Sally (Russ) Trier of Kulpsville, PA, Mary Langbehn of Sturgis, SD, Michelle (Paul) Lavallee of Sioux Falls, SD, Sheila ( Gordon) Wollman of Huron, SD and countless nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding Dan’s passing were his father, Bud Gross and his younger brother John Gross. A celebration of Dan’s life will be held in the future in his home state of South Dakota. Condolences may be sent to his son Jacob Gross 7206 Lake Placid Circle, Corpus Christi, TX 78414 or to Dan’s mother, Rita Gross, at 1225 Minnesota Ave SW, Apartment 134, Huron, SD 57350.
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