Force behind annual flag displays in ‘Bago every year set to retire from childcare

John and Mary Gross, along with daughter Becky Stack stand proudly in front of the patriotic display in their front yard on S. Benton St., Winnebago.

By Margaret Downing

Reporter

Many Winnebago families are familiar with Mary Gross, long-time area home caregiver of village children. After 35 years in the position she has decided to retire but does plan to continue being involved somehow with her community, such as Vets Roll.

Patriotism is in her blood. Her father was in the Navy during the Second World War, two brothers served in the same branch during peace time, and son Tim was a Navy man, being based on the U.S.S. Kennedy, which was sent to New York City at the time of the Twin Towers attacks.

She and her family came to Winnebago in November of 1986, her profession being a nurse but she gave great care and love instead to many local children, including parents when they were small and then to their children. She says, “They were all really good kids. Daycare kept me young!”

When she first began taking in children she recalls how “There were 21 daycare options in this area. Today there are two…both DCFS licensed.”

One family stayed with her over 15 years, and she recalls “There was never any great turnover!”

Mary and her family most definitely also have a bona fide patriotic streak and looking back to 2009, she was the impetus behind the approximate 180 flags that now fly for about a mile along the village’s main street, Elida.

Volunteers post the flags and Mary notes, “We are always looking for more volunteers as we have lost some over the years.”

American flags are placed on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4^th, Patriot’s Day (9/11), Labor Day, and Veterans Day.

If interested in placing flags please contact Mary at 815-222-6808.