SOUTH ST. PAUL, Minn. — John William Gurss, 75, died Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in South St. Paul, Minn.
He was born Sept. 15, 1946, in Topeka, to Dr. Gerald and Phyllis (Reid) Gurss. He grew up in Lyndon, and graduated from Lyndon High School in 1964. He joined the U.S. Navy while still in high school, and after graduation served four years in San Diego, Alaska and Washington, D.C. Upon discharge from the Navy, he worked for retail and convenience stores in Lawrence, Topeka, Kansas City and Emporia. He later worked at the IBP/Tyson meat processing plant in Emporia, until he retired. He recently moved to South St. Paul to live near his son.
John married Wanda Ann Grant in 1976. They were later divorced. To this union, one son was born, Gerald Dorsey Gurss II.
He enjoyed family gatherings, Major League baseball and reading. He was especially proud of his son, who achieved a Doctorate of Musical Arts and is a nationally recognized choral director and composer. He regularly attended his son’s choral concerts in North Carolina and Minnesota.
John is survived by his son, Dr. Gerald Gurss (Ervin Schaefer), South St. Paul; a sister, Jean Timm (Larry), Lyndon; and five Gurss brothers, Terry (Donna), Broomfield, Colo., Jim (Beth), Edmond, Okla., David (Anne), Lawrence, Tom (Barb), Tonganoxie, and Doug (Janet), Louisburg; four first cousins; and nearly 50 nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is tentatively planned for spring 2022 in Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to One Voice Chorus, P.O. Box 9241, Charlotte, NC 28299.
