Francis Grosch

WEBSTER- Francis Grosch, 88 of Webster and formally of St. Paul, NE died on Thursday, January 4, 2007 at Lake Area Hospital in Webster. His funeral will be at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 7, 2007 at Fiksdal Funeral Chapel in Webster, Rev. William Olsen officiating. Burial, at a later date, at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Fiksdal Funeral Service of Webster is in charge of the arrangements. Francis John Grosch was born on Tuesday, June 25, 1918 to Max F. and Elizabeth (Fritz) Grosch on the family farm near Bartley, Nebraska. He grew up there and as a small child the family moved to a farm near Silver Creek, Nebraska where he finished his schooling. He then help on the family farm. In June 1940 he entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He made three assault landings at Fedala French Morocco, Anzio Italy and southern France. He received 10 battle stars, the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After his honorable discharge in June 1945 he returned to the family farm to care for his father. On May 23, 1962 he married Virginia Anderson-Bahr at Grand Island, Nebraska. The couple lived numerous places during their married life. He worked many construction jobs throughtout the country, working with heavy equipment, truck driving and mining. After his retirement in 1984 the couple lived in several towns throughout the Midwest prior to moving to Webster in December 2006. He loved hunting and fishing. At a young age he received a pilots license and flew small planes. He loved playing and teasing nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He enjoyed reading western novels, especially Louis LaMour. He also enjoyed writing and wrote a western novel and watched western movies. He was a Life Member of the V.F.W. and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers. Francis passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2007 at Webster, South Dakota at the age of 88 years, 6 months and 9 days. Survivors include his wife, Virginia of Webster; one step-son, James (Dixie) Bahr of Sheridan, WY; a step-daughter, Connie (Charles) Bacon of Webster, SD; one sister, Mabel (Gibert) Hinkle of Silver Creek, NE; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and a special nephew, Mike Anderson of St. Paul, NE; He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Gottlieb, Walter (in infancy) and Fred, and two sisters, Esther and Helen.