Emily Gross, 36

Emily Jean Gross, of Sturgis, S.D., and a native of Marion, S.D., passed away unexpectedly Dec. 14, 2023. She was only 36 years old. Our family is heartbroken by this loss.

Emily was born on Feb. 13, 1987 to Gene and Gayle Gross. She grew up on her parent’s farm in rural Marion. Emily was a spunky little girl with a big imagination and personality. Even from a young age, she was a ray of light to all those around her. God gave her a special gift of humor, and with her contagious smile and laugh, Emily easily lit up a room and warmed the hearts of those around her. She was very approachable and freely giving with her encouragement and kindness. Good music, dancing, lots of jokes, and shared laughter with loved ones made for an ideal get-together in her eyes. She loved the outdoors and fishing with her dear friend, Tyson Jewell.

Emily had recently become a mother, a desire she had held in her heart for many years. Her five-month-old son, Kanon, was her everything. Emily was an incredible mom and sang to Kanon often. She had much hope and many dreams for their future together.

In 2005, Emily graduated from Marion High School. She especially loved music, cheerleading, and dance. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2014. Emily had a servant’s heart and wanted to help the most vulnerable, especially children and those who were in a challenging season of life. Most recently, she worked as coordinator for the DUI and Drug Court in Sturgis. Prior to that, Emily worked wholeheartedly in child protection on the Yankton Sioux Reservation and in Sioux Falls.

Emily is survived by her parents, Gene and Gayle Gross, rural Marion; her brother Derek Gross of Sioux Falls; her sister Candace (and Daryn) Dockter of Freeman; her brother, Carson Gross of rural Marion; and her foster-brother, Skylar Hopkins of Sioux Falls. She leaves behind her son, Kanon; Kanon’s beloved father, Tyson Jewell; her maternal grandpa, Richard Jaeger; paternal grandma, Caroline Gross; her niece, Lydia Dockter; and nephews, Solomon Dockter and Ezra Dockter. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandma, Phyllis Jaeger; and her paternal grandpa, Roland Gross. Emily deeply loved her family and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday Dec. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls. A time of sharing will begin at 6 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, with burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Marion.