(Beloved Swanton Farmer & Entrepreneur)
Mark Alan Gross, age 43, of Swanton, Ohio, passed away Friday afternoon, April 10, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Mark was born on October 18, 1982, in Toledo, Ohio, to John and Rhonda (Ford) Gross. On December 7, 2021, he married the love of his life, Autumn Hall.
Mark was raised in a hardworking farming family and began showing and raising livestock at a young age. He co-founded a tree company with his brother and later built Gross Drainage and Excavation into a nationwide operation. Most recently, he proudly operated Gross Farms LJJ, raising crops and livestock.
Above all, Mark cherished time at home with his children and loved gathering with family, friends, nieces, and nephew. He especially enjoyed bonding over football with his kids as a devoted fan of the Bengals and Ohio State. Deeply connected to animals, nature, and the outdoors, he found pure joy on a beach with a boat, a sunset, good music, and cherished company.
He lived life to the fullest with fierce passion and unmatched work ethic—the hardest-working man many had ever known, yet also the most loving, humble, comedic, and gentle soul. His infectious laugh and spitfire personality could light up any room.
An adventurous spirit, he chased experiences both big and small. A dedicated advocate of clean eating, he was a talented cook who mastered farm-fresh ingredients. He loved motorcycle racing, dirt bikes, ATVs, heavy machinery, fast cars, big trucks, playing guitar, golf, and riding jet skis—anything with a strong motor or a good beat.
Mark chased dreams and sunsets with equal determination. He never stopped dreaming, never stopped fighting, and faced his battle with cancer as both a warrior and an angel of God.
Through it all, he remained a loving, devoted husband and father whose warmth, humor, and strength touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Mark is survived by his loving wife, Autumn; children, Logan, Jazmyne and John Gross; parents, John and Rhonda Gross; nieces, Oakleigh, Winter and Charlie Gross; nephew, Declan Gross.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Matt Gross and maternal grandparents, Gayanne and Roger Ford and paternal grandparents Harold and Ruth Gross.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 20, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton, where a Vigil Service will begin at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue Tuesday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Assumption, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m., with Fr. Jeremy Miller presiding. Interment will follow at Amboy Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Nature’s Nursery, P.O. Box 2395, Whitehouse, OH 43571.
