James Alfred "Al" Grosskopf

James Alfred "Al" Grosskopf, 87, of Midland, died Saturday morning, Dec. 1, 2007, at MidMichigan Medical Center.

He was born January 6, 1920, the son of John Baptist and Mary Theresa (Witkam) Grosskopf in Alma, where he was raised and educated. Al enlisted in the United States Army during WWII. He served in the Air Corps 100th Bomb Group as a waist gunner in the airwar over Europe. Al's B-17 was shot down over the North Sea Dec. 11, 1943, and for the following 20 months he was a POW. On July 28, 1945, he married Avis Lorraine Nelson in Alma. Al worked as a printer for many years, and had worked for the Gratiot County Harold, McKay Press, Saginaw News and C & G Graphics. He was a member of the Midland American Legion Berryhill Post No. 165 and the 40 and 8. In his earlier years he enjoyed camping and hunting. He also enjoyed genealogy, coin collecting, and trips to fish camp in Northern Michigan.

He was born January 6, 1920, the son of John Baptist and Mary Theresa (Witkam) Grosskopf in Alma, where he was raised and educated. Al enlisted in the United States Army during WWII. He served in the Air Corps 100th Bomb Group as a waist gunner in the airwar over Europe. Al's B-17 was shot down over the North Sea Dec. 11, 1943, and for the following 20 months he was a POW. On July 28, 1945, he married Avis Lorraine Nelson in Alma. Al worked as a printer for many years, and had worked for the Gratiot County Harold, McKay Press, Saginaw News and C & G Graphics. He was a member of the Midland American Legion Berryhill Post No. 165 and the 40 and 8. In his earlier years he enjoyed camping and hunting. He also enjoyed genealogy, coin collecting, and trips to fish camp in Northern Michigan.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Avis; three children; William (Nancy) Grosskopf of Suttons Bay, Thomas Grosskopf of Midland, Paula Ann Johnson of Haslett; grandchildren, Elissa (John) Budischak, Kristan Grosskopf, James Grosskopf, Daniel Grosskopf, Elizabeth (Andy McGee) Johnson and Ann Johnson; great grandchildren, Evan Budischak, Nina Budischak, Caitlyn McGee, Riley McGee, and Coby Flegler; sisters Sophie Irene Colligan of Colorado and Marguerite (Francis) Dionne of Traverse City; sister-in-law Amy Grosskopf of Riverdale; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brothers Gerald, Everett, Anthony, Wilbur, John, half brother Hubert Gion, sisters Mary Iola Mitchell and Mary Loretta Grosskopf.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007, at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Chapel, 1200 W. Wheeler Street. Deacon Aloysius Oliver of St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church will officiate. Full military honors will be presented at the gravesite at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 6 at Vinewood Cemetery, Edmore. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday 6-8 p.m., Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and on Wednesday 10 a.m. until time of service.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider MidMichigan VNA or the Midland American Legion Berryhill Post No.165. If you are unable to visit with the family you may send your condolences through www.waresmithwoolever.com