Spencer Gross

Dates

June 13, 1945 - July 14, 2025

Obituary

Spencer Gross, 80, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell from complications of Parkinson's disease. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Monday, July 21, at Grace Reformed Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Aberdeen, SD. Visitation will be Sunday from 1-3:00 PM, at Grace Reformed Church with a 2:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Spencer J. Gross was born June 13, 1945, to Albert J. Gross and Rose M. (Janisch) Gross. He graduated from Hosmer High School in 1963. After high school, he attended Aberdeen School of Commerce and graduated with a 2-year accounting degree.

Spencer married Kathryn A. Granger on June 22, 1974. In 1979, they moved to Mitchell, SD, and purchased Thune Hardware, where he was active until his passing.

Spencer was an active member of the Grace Reformed Church in Mitchell.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Jennifer (Tommy) Cooper; grandchildren, Ethan, Christian, and Anna Shelton (Devin); brother; Mark (Odile) Gross and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Spencer was predeceased by his parents, one brother, and one sister.

Spencer J Gross lived well and died well. He will be sorely missed. All that mattered to Spencer was Faith, Family, and Friends!

Visitation(s)

Date
Sunday, July 20, 2025

Time
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Location
2:30 PM Prayer Service

Grace Reformed Church
1021 S Davison St
Mitchell, SD 57301

Service

Date
Monday, July 21, 2025

Time
10:30 AM

Location
Grace Reformed Church
1021 S Davison St
Mitchell, SD 57301

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
Aberdeen, SD

Posted by Phyllis Grossmann on September 25, 2025

Oh, Kathy and Jenny...That smile is sssssoooooooooooo wonderful and so him! Thank you for posting it. I wish that I had a printer so I could have a picture to post by my desk! You two were such a wonderful model of God's plan for marriage love. May you find the peace that only He can give to us when we lose our loved ones . Death is a lose to us but a gain to those who are trusting in Jesus alone for their salvation. I would love to be with you, Kathy please come by if or when you are in Rapid City again. Keep your pretty nose in our wonderful Creator's wonderful words of life. I love you.
Phyllis

Posted by Lisa Loveland on July 29, 2025

Prayers to the family. It was a pleasure to have Spencer wait on me whenever I went into Thunes

Posted by Bob and Connie Beuske on July 28, 2025

Sympathies to the family. Spencer had a wealth of knowledge and was always so helpful with any assistance we needed when we came into the store. He will be missed.

Posted by Sandy Murray on July 28, 2025

Kathy, family and employees I am so sorry to hear of Spencer’s passing! He was special and will be missed! God Bless!

Posted by Kim and Mike Mohr on July 25, 2025

Our condolences to Kathy, Jennifer and Tommy. We had the pleasure of Spencer helping us with many appliances over the years. He was always so pleasant to deal with. God rest his soul!

Posted by Ron & Paula Freeman on July 24, 2025

Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Spencer. I'll miss his friendly and welcoming smile at the hardware store!

Posted by Doug & Bonnie Carlson on July 22, 2025

A very good man, it’s been nice to have known him. Sorry for your loss, Kathy & family

Posted by Pat Kilbride Anderson on July 22, 2025

So sorry to hear about Spencer passing.He helped us with every appliance we've bought from Thunes. Always a friendly smile that will be missed. Spencer was a special man I will miss him. My prayers are with Kathy and family.

Posted by phyliis on July 21, 2025

Sorry sorry for the loss of Spencer ---my sympathy to Kathy & family

Posted by Calvin Degen on July 21, 2025

deepest sympathy, thought and prayers to all

Posted by Betty Boone on July 21, 2025

My deepest sympathy.

Posted by Marvin Jira on July 21, 2025

So sorry to hear about your loss,Spencer. Was a great man to know and do business with; he was always joy to visit with
And very helpfull; Thank you and God Bless
Our prayers are with you,
Marv Jira family

Posted by Gary and Mary Stadlman on July 20, 2025

Kathy, Jennifer, Tommy, Family and the Thunes Family, We are so saddened to hear of the loss of Spencer, He was such a kind quiet spoken man with a hearty laugh and big smile. Kathy you and Spencer make everyone that comes in, feel like a friend, we will miss Spencer, May God keep you all in His love and care. Memories of him bring you Peace.

Posted by Jerry and Nancy Puetz on July 20, 2025

Spencer was a great person. We purchased many appliances from him and always appreciated and trusted his judgement. Spencer was hardworking, friendly and always had a smile. Our sympathy to Kathy, Jennifer, and their families and all of their store employees. He will certainly be missed.

Posted by Jerry and Nancy Puetz on July 20, 2025

Posted by Jeanice and Gary Korzan on July 20, 2025

Kathy and family - so sorry for your loss. Spencer was the best and he will be missed so much. Thankful for his kindness and conversation whenever we were in the store. RIP Spencer

Posted by Sheri Andersen on July 20, 2025

Spens was a gem for sure! Our sympathies.

Posted by Joe Zilla on July 20, 2025

Thoughts and prayers

Posted by Betty Fortier on July 19, 2025

My thoughts and prayers to the family of Spencer. He was a!ways helpful and friend!y to everyone and will be missed.

Posted by Marlys Hoff on July 18, 2025

My Deepest Sympathy & prayers to Kathy, Jennifer & family.
Spencer was a great Man. He always had a smile. And always willing to help you. I purchased many appliances there, and other things too.
He will be missed.
Blessings to You All.

Posted by Marlys Hoff on July 18, 2025

My Deepest Sympathy and prayers to Kathy, Jennifer & family.
Spencer was a great Man. He was always

Posted by Carrie & Jerry Grimes on July 18, 2025

We will miss Spencer terribly!!! He was such a wonderful man. God bless his family he was a one of a kind.

Posted by Lyn (Meyer) and Steve Whitney on July 18, 2025

Dear Kathy and Jenny (Tommy and kids),
I am so sorry to hear of Spencer's passing. I remember his kindness to me when I'd come visit. He was a good man and will be missed.

Posted by Jon Gamber on July 18, 2025

I am so sorry for you Kathyand your family Spencer was a great guy and treated me with great customer service. My prayers and thought are with you all. Jon

Posted by Jim and Corine Stach on July 18, 2025

Our deepest condolences with Spencer’s passing. He was always helpful and kind in all our interactions with him at the store over the years. He will be missed by us and so many others in the community. Praying our Lord’s peace and comfort over you Kathy and your whole family.

Posted by John n Kris Kieffer on July 18, 2025

To Spencer’s family.
What a great guy he was n we have great memories of him.

Posted by Rattazzis locker on July 18, 2025

Spencer and his wife invented the phrase customer service. Two of the nicest people I have ever known. Our condolences to the family and friends.

Posted by Suzan Gross on July 18, 2025

Spencer self-identified as "the good-looking Spencer" to differentiate himself from our brother Spencer and our son Spencer. We loved him so much we, in large part, named our son after him. Spencer &Kathy were generous to a fault whenever we'd visit, emptying out the grocery stores & pulling out the fun stuff: motor cycle rides around the lake, boating, and water skiing. Spencer worked hard & played well & I can still hear his voice laughing & see his face disappearing into his large smile. "For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality." We miss Spencer and can't wait to rejoice with him in heaven over the victory given us by Jesus our Savior.

Posted by Diane moke on July 17, 2025

My condolences to Kathy, Jen, and family. Spencer was always my life saver at Thunes when I needed something done but didn't know how to do it. He was always my go to guy to give me a quick lesson when needed.

Posted by Don and Leanne Bradwisch on July 17, 2025

Kathy and Family, we are saddened to hear about Spencer’s passing. He ran a good business and the community of Mitchell will miss him. We have done business with Thune’s ever since moving to Mitchell and he was always so friendly and helpful. Our thoughts and prayers to everyone. 🙏

Posted by J.P. Skelly on July 17, 2025

Rest in Peace my friend.

Posted by Gary Jarabek on July 17, 2025

Kathy and family i am so sorry for your loss

Posted by Dennis & Cheryl Kunkel on July 17, 2025

We are so sorry to hear about Spencer , he will be deeply Missed by family & the town of Mitchell we have always done business there at Thunes Dennis always gave him a bad time & Spencer gave it right back !! Our thoughts & prayers to you all .

Posted by Alice Mentele on July 17, 2025

My deepest condolences to the Gross family. Spencer was always so helpful when Ray and I would come in to purchase things for the apartment complex. God bless you as you grieve this loss.

Posted by Mark & Janelle McMahon on July 17, 2025

Deepest sympathies to Kathy, Jen and family.
Mitchell's north main street has lost a wonderful man.
May he rest in peace.

Posted by Dave Strohmayer, Mitchell, SD on July 17, 2025

My condolences to the family of Spence. He always had a smile on when I came into the Store. Will be missed. So sorry for your loss.

Posted by Rick and Darla Beardsley on July 17, 2025

Sorry to hear about Spencer passing, about a 2 years ago we bought a new refrigerator from Spencer and Thunes,Spencer is such a wonderful man. Condolences to Kathy and family may the lord bless you all, thanks Spencer for all you have done for this community

Posted by denny and marty andrzejewski on July 17, 2025

Our deepest sympathies to Kathy and family. God bless you and the family.

Posted by Cindy fuerst from Pickstown Sd on July 17, 2025

Spencer was a wonderful man.My sympathy to all the family at this difficult time. He was a great salesman at Thunes. He was honest and a carrying individual. I will always be faithful to Thunes. Rest in Peace Spencer.

Posted by Brian and Deb Oftedahl on July 16, 2025

We are so sorry to hear of Spencer’s passing. He was such a great guy and always helped us with appliances and anything we needed at the store. He will be misse d. May God comfort you and give you peace.

Posted by Dennis and sue olson on July 16, 2025

It was like living in the old days when we shopped there. It was like they cared about us as people all of them and my heart goes out to Kathy and Jennifer he will be missed and thanks for a little bit of the past

Posted by Rhonda Broski on July 16, 2025

So sorry to hear of Spencer’s passing. He knew his business and knew people. He helped me many times. Your Thune Hardware family helped me so much over the years. Kathy, Jennifer and family you were certainly blessed.

Posted by Pat Cassutt on July 16, 2025

Spencer personally helped me out with every appliance that I had purchased from your store over the last 15 years+. He will be missed by many people.🙏🙏

Posted by Pat Cassutt on July 16, 2025

I am saddened to hear about Spencer. I always enjoyed visiting with him in the store & out in public. He personally helped wi

Posted by Ed and Lorna Peterson on July 16, 2025

Praying Gods peace and comfort for Kathy and family at the passing of Spencer. He was a genuinely giving and caring person. We recall how generous and helpful he was in the setting up of the first Mitchell Christian School building years ago. Gods favor & blessings on all his family.

Posted by Marilyn Gunnare on July 16, 2025

Our sympathy to the family.
Spencer and Kathy ran a great store, now Jenny has stepped up to the plate. I remember when they bought the store.

Posted by Jim & Jean Nelson on July 16, 2025

To Kathy, Jenifer, and family, Our heart felt sympathy on Spencer's passing. Will miss that cheerful smile and wonderful hospitality that Spencer and Kathy provided on our fall visits. Spencer always seemed surrounded by good friends, and help created wonderful memories and friendships that will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

Posted by Stewart & Jolynn Hanson on July 16, 2025

Have known Spenser & Kathy for a long time. I remember spending time with them at the campground while fishing on the Missouri River. When we first got married we didn’t have any spare money to buy a washer and dryer, so I went and talked to Spenser at Thunes and he let us buy a washer & dryer and make monthly payments. Our deepest sympathy to Kathy, Jennifer and family

Posted by Elwin Hohn on July 16, 2025

My deepest sympathy to you all, may God grant you strength through this difficult time, he was a great man and will be truly missed by many.

Posted by Mary Mehlhaff on July 16, 2025

So Sorry to hear of Spencer's passing, Our Deepest Condolences to Kathy and Spencer's family. Hugs and prayers.

Posted by Jerry Luckett on July 16, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. I saw him recently at the store and he always had a smile on his face. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family and all the employees. God Bless

Posted by Bobby and Rene’ Pruitt on July 16, 2025

We just loved that man!

Posted by Diane Schulz on July 15, 2025

Sorry for your loss. Spencer always had a smile and very willing to help. He will be missed. I'm asking God to hold you close today and in the days ahead.

Posted by Ernie & Debra Hohn on July 15, 2025

We always went to Thunes for our appliance purchases.
R.I.P. Spencer

Posted by Vicky on July 15, 2025

Such a great man he will be missed

Posted by Joey Bunker on July 15, 2025

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family

Posted by Wanda Kobes on July 15, 2025

So very sorry for this very sad loss for all of you !! Spencer was a great Man to everyone that was blessed to know him !! He is going to truly be missed by everyone !!

Posted by Ron and Bev Krier on July 15, 2025

A Great guy

Posted by KEITH CARLSON on July 15, 2025

Sorry to hear about SPENCER PASSING HE WAS A GOOD PERSON

Posted by Anne & Arlen Moke on July 15, 2025

So sorry for your loss. I will miss his smile.

Posted by Barbara Kimm on July 15, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

Posted by Ma5ry and Richard Goudy on July 15, 2025

So sorry for your loss. He was always so helpful in the store

Posted by Jackie Christiansen on July 15, 2025

DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Posted by Rube & Pat Adam on July 15, 2025

We were so very sorry to hear about Spencer's passing. Always enjoyed his friendly greeting & smile when we saw him at the store, as well as a pleasant conversation with him. Sending our sympathy and prayers to all his family.

Posted by Lee Hieb on July 15, 2025

Sorry for your passing. God bless you and your family. You were a great cousin. Truly one of a kind. Will see you later above.

Posted by Julie and Terry Greene on July 15, 2025

We are so sorry to hear of Spencer's passing. No words to describe what a wonderful person he was. Always a cheerful smile and good for great conversation. Always willing to go above and beyond for our needs. Rest in peace our dear friend.

Posted by Bryan and Diane Slaba on July 15, 2025

Kathy and family, our deepest sympathy to all of you. Spencer was such a kind and happy guy! He helped us many times over the years. He will be missed. May God bring you comfort and grant Spencer eternal peace.✝️🕊️

Posted by Jen Larsen on July 15, 2025

He was such a kind man. He made doing business a pleasure.

Posted by Darrell-Judy Olson on July 15, 2025

So sorry to hear of Spencer’s calling from above, he certainly will be missed in many aspects. A true Gentleman and Business person he ( and his family was and are) . May Spencer Rest In Peace 🙏

Posted by Pat & Bobbie Clark on July 15, 2025

Thinking if you and your family.

Posted by Dan and Connie muller on July 15, 2025

So sorry to hear this,was a great guy and will miss him in the store

Posted by Larry and Kellie Snedeker on July 15, 2025

Dear Kathy and family, we are truly sorry to hear about Spencer passing. It was a great pleasure to know and work for a man like him.

Posted by Julia & Jerry Fischer on July 15, 2025

To Kathy, Jenny, & family. Sorry about Spencer's passing, he will be missed by all. Spencer was a respected businessman. He cared about people & his customers.

Posted by Julie Brookbank and Phil Picha on July 15, 2025

We are so saddened to hear of Spencer's passing. We always enjoyed talking with him in the store and around town. Mitchell was a better community because of your family's presence. Condolences to Kathy, Jennifer and family.

Posted by Bart and Linda Thune on July 15, 2025

We are very sorry to hear of Spencer’s Passing We express our sincere sympathy to Kathy, Jennifer and the rest of your family, and your Thune hardware family. Spencer was a hard working, wonderful, and great businessman. We will surely miss his smiling face the next time we visit Thune Hardware!

Posted by Julie Koth on July 15, 2025

So sorry to hear about Spencer. What a great guy and one of the best retailers I knew. My sympathy to Kathy and family.

Posted by Joe & Heidi Geppert on July 15, 2025

So sorry to hear about Spencer's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by Joe & Heidi Geppert on July 15, 2025

So sorry to hear about Spencer's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by Dennis and Lisa Marek on July 15, 2025

Dear Kathy and family we are so sorry to hear about Spencer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Spencer was a friend and wonderful person that helped so many. God Bless you all.

Posted by Cindy Gregg on July 15, 2025

Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. Spencer was one of my favorite people - he was such a supporter when I first moved to this state. A rare man indeed…

Posted by Terry & Mary Nutter on July 15, 2025

Our condolences to you Kathy and Spencer’s family. We always enjoyed talking to him in the store. He will be missed!

Posted by Dennis & Pam Martin on July 14, 2025

Our deepest sympathy and prayers on Spencers passing. Although it brings tears we know where he is now. "He who believes in the Son Has life...Jn 3:36. In Christ...Dennis & Pam Martin

Posted by Gary and Gloria Oldenberg on July 14, 2025

So sorry to hear about the loss of Spencer He was a kind and always had a smile on his face, He will be missed. God Bless you all

Posted by Janice and Merle Mohr on July 14, 2025

Cannot believe Spencer has passed away. We were trying to get to Mitchell but something always came up. He was so looking forward to spending the summer at the lake. Condolence to Cathy and family.

Posted by Lonnie Callies on July 14, 2025

So sorry to hear about Spencer. My deepest condolences to Kathy and family.

Posted by David Brooks and Penny on July 14, 2025

Always fun to visit with him sympathies

Posted by Hollie karber on July 14, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss of Spencer! Hugs and prayers for you all!

Posted by Terry & Judy Timmins on July 14, 2025

So sorry to hear about the loss of Spencer.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
He will be greatly missed.

Posted by Delbert and Kathy Northrup on July 14, 2025

Kathy and family. So sorry to hear about the loss of Spencer. Will miss seeing his friendly smile. He was always so helpful at the store. God Bless.