Joseph A. Grosse

Joseph A. Grosse, age 91 of Plymouth, passed away on December 18, 2024.

Joe, also known as “Mac”, was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 17, 1933 to his parents, the late Helen (née Kolp) and Joseph Gruszkiewicz. 

Joseph passed away peacefully at Angela Hospice in Livonia. He was a beloved and devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and a wonderful friend. The minute you met Joe, you knew he was someone special. He greeted you with open arms and a big smile. He had a zest for life and touched the hearts of so many people throughout his 91 years.

He proudly served his country for three years in the United States Army during the Korean war while stationed in Germany at an Army Security Agency base. Joe had a passion for cars and became a skilled mechanic. After returning home from Germany, he owned a gas station in Detroit for several years before moving his young family in the mid 1960’s to Plymouth. 

Joe then worked at Ford Motor Company in Research and Development - test driving new cars at the Livonia transmission test track to testing emissions at the Allen Park Test Lab. He finished his career in Crash Safety at the Dearborn Proving Grounds before retiring in January 1996. His love for cars was later shared with his love of boating, trains and train-watching. He truly enjoyed cruising Lake St. Claire with the love of his life, Laureen even if it was just spending the day at the marina. Laureen and Joe also enjoyed going to concerts or stage plays at the Fox Theater in Detroit.

Joe was one of the lucky ones who met his one true love and soulmate, Laureen in the late 1980s. She made him the happiest man in the world for his last four decades on this earth. Their mutual love and respect were made obvious in the way they treated each other on a daily basis. It was absolute true love.

Joseph is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Laureen Grosse, his three loving children – Joseph (Janet) Grosse, Michelle Grosse and Michael (Cindy) Grosse, his granddaughter Sarah and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., May 4,2025 (Sunday) at Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, Michigan. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated  at 10:30 a.m., May 5,2025 (Monday)  at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 N. Haggerty, Plymouth, Michigan.  There will be a memorial gathering at the church beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of mass. Following the service, an inurnment of Joseph's ashes will be held at 2 p.m., May 5, 2025 (Monday) at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. 

Those who wish to honor the memory of Joseph A. Grosse are invited to consider a contribution to Angela Hospice, 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, Michigan 48154 or online at the link below.