John W. `Bill` Grosz
John W. `Bill` Grosz , Age 83
John William “Bill” Grosz, Sr., age 83, of Baraboo, went home to heaven at St. Clare Meadows on May 5, 2024. His body got tired, and the Lord said that it was time.
Bill was born May 23, 1940 in Morris, MN to Alvin and Eleanora (Jahraus) Grosz. Following the death of his mother on the day of his birth, he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Edmund and Mildred (Mahaffey) Grosz, and grew up in Wauwatosa. He graduated from Wauwatosa High School and the University of Wisconsin. He served in the United States Marine Corp mostly at Camp Lejeune. After his service he worked as a Project Engineer for Continental and U.S. Can Corporations in Milwaukee and Chicago. On September 16, 1972 he married Susan Steinhorst at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Baraboo. They lived in Downers Grove, IL for 29 years. Following retirement in 2000, they moved to Baraboo where he enjoyed a life of service helping on the farm, mowing lawns for the church ladies, driving for ADRC, and, for the last several years, he enjoyed being a volunteer at St. Clare Hospital. He also enjoyed making wooden toys for the grandchildren and being “Mr. Fix-it”. Bill served on boards and committees for St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Marine Corp League - Eagles Nest Detachment.
He is survived by his wife, Susan, of 51 years; daughter, Victoria (Ben) Kealy of Atlanta, GA, son, John (Lisa) Grosz of Milwaukee and daughter, Christine (Jamieson) Olsen of Batavia, IL; grandchildren, Eva Grosz, Jack Kealy, Erik, Anna and William Olsen; sisters, Jan Olson of Fargo, ND, Ann Wiest of Bend, OR and brother, Michael Grosz of Miami, FL; in-laws, Shirley Steinhorst of Baraboo, Dennis and Gail Steinhorst of Madison and Connie and Phil Henkel of Rice Lake; many nieces, nephews and cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by both sets of parents, in-laws Ernest and Dorothy Steinhorst, brothers-in-law James Olson, Erwin Wiest, and Gaylon Steinhorst, and sister-in-law Weslie Grosz.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Baraboo on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Visitation will be held at church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial with military honors will be held at St. John’s Cemetery in Rock Springs at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or SSM St. Clare Foundation.
A special thank you to St. Clare Meadows, SSM Hospice and Dr. Mustain.
Condolences
Grace Hennig May 08, 2024
Friend NEW ULM , Minnesota
Dear Sue and Christine, My deepest sympathies on the loss of Bill to this earthly life. May God's peace and strength be with you! I know you loved him very much, Sue. I remember a story you told me about going on a blind date and you asked the guy to turn the car around before you even got to your destination because you knew there was no point to the date. You knew what you wanted in a companion and one could tell that you treasured your husband. What a blessing that you were able to spend 51 years together. I remember when my father passed away and my mom felt like their 50 years went so fast. I supposed that's hard for younger people to imagine but I'm starting to understand that as we approach 30 years. Having been there for my mom when we lost Dad in 2017 I know the years ahead can be challenging so I will keep you in my prayers and also pray that people close to you rise up to support you. God be with you! ~ Grace
Ralph and Ruthele Bailey May 12, 2024
friends Portage , Wisconsin
Just saw the obituary and am so sorry to learn of Bill leaving us to live with the angles in Heaven . Our thoughts are with you and our prayers.