Vernon J. Grosse
July 05, 1920 - February 13, 2017
Obituary
COTTAGE GROVE-Vernon J. Grosse, age 96, passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017. He was born on July 5, 1920, in Roxbury, Wis., to the late John and Clara (Fiscus) Grosse. Vernon was united in marriage to Alice Hart of Sandusky, Wis. and raised seven children. Vernon worked in asphalt paving road construction and was a member of Local No. 464 Union for 67 years. Vernon at a young age had a strong passion for horses that stayed with him his entire life. In 2011 he was inducted into the Wisconsin Horse Pulling Hall of Fame. Vernon is survived by daughters, Joan (Dale) Huston, Diane Gilbert, Kathleen (Mike) Grosse and Mary (Cullen) Smolarek; sons, John (Donna) Grosse and Jeffrey Grosse; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Lucille (Pete) Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends. In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by his loving wife, Alice; son, Philip; and sisters, Sally Meadowcroft, Petty Meutz, Betty Davis, Jean Derra, Dorothy Gillespie and Shirley Ann Holford. Private family services will be held at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, with Father Michael Tarigopula presiding. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens. The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Park Place, and Agrace HospiceCare for dad's/grandpa's care and accommodating the family. Daddy, you have left us with such wonderful memories that will remain in our hearts forever. We love you and will miss you so much. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
MC
Mary Cunningham
Other •
I can never think of Uncle Vernon and not see a horse at his side. When we would visit, it was so fun to walk the grounds and barns while Uncle Vernon talked about his horses, knowing each one so intimately. I remember one particular visit and we were in the fields not seeing any horses, Uncle Vernon told us to "wait here" as he disappeared over a hillside on foot. Within 5 minutes the ground was shaking and we thought we heard thunder. Instead it was the herd of horses rushing over the crest of the hill at full speed towards us with Uncle Vernon whooping and running behind them. My mom, Lucy, loves her brother so much -- always has had such a tender heart for him.
LB
Linda Brickey
Other •
Visiting Uncle Vernon was always a highlight of visiting Madison for us. He always made time for us, showing us his horses like a little kid showing off his toys. His love and joy of life was apparent and infectious. He will be missed by all. It's comforting knowing he's with his loving wife, son and parents. And I know Vernon's heaven includes acres and acres of pastures brimming with horses!
BH
Beth Howard
Other •
My family will keep Mr Grosse and his family in our prayers. The twinkle in his eye and his laughter was contagious as he told his stories to me and my brothers when we would stop by to visit him and his horses so many years ago. He held a place in our hearts and we will never forget him. I was the only girl in a family with 7 brothers and he used to joke that it gave a us a special bond. No visit was complete without seeing him with his gentle giant King and checking in on Arnold's size. The horses we got from him were the sweetest tempered, no doubt from the loving care they got from him.
Rest in peace
DA
deb (schwartzlow) abrams
Other •
I'm totally in shock to this. MY heart is truly broken. I new Vernon back about 35 years ago when he lived on Vondron road and had all the horse on the hill. I lived on Femrite Dr and would look at the horses all the time with binoculars. I visited him all the time back then and lost track of him over the years. He was my inspiration for the love of horses and to this day i have that passion. Thank you Vernon for the wonderful memories and always being the sweetest person i know. You will be missed! May you rest in peace and see you in heaven.
Deb
KS
Keith N. Schoville
Other •
Dear family, for many years Vernon brought over to our place 5689 County Hwy D, three miles west of Oregon, horses to feed on our pasture. They would arrive in the Spring, then be picked up in the Fall. We appreciated knowing him. The last time we saw him, some years after he stopped bringing the horses, He stopped to visit us, driven by one of his children or grand-children. It was a pleasure to see him again. May he rest in peace!
Merrlyn and Keith Schoville
SM
Shirley Moyes
Other •
We are all so sorry to hear of Philip, your mother and father. Our prayers are with all of you. I remember riding my bike from Thompson Drive to Vondron,Road. and there was your dad running after the horses. I called his name and he came up to me and I said Shirley Moyes, then he said Oh Shirley and gave me a hug. This was in the early 90's. I thought he could run faster than me. If any of you see this, I would like to talk and see you all again. 221-4382. I'm less than 10 minutes to Cottage Grove. Our prayers are with you. Take Care. I'll be waiting for my call.
Shirley