Douglas "Doug" Gross

Doug Gross was a man of character and good will. He was honest and forthright, bighearted and kind. He did right by people, whether representing their best interests or giving them a fair deal in business. He liked being with family, friends, and soon-to-be friends, so that wherever Doug was, those around him had fun.

Doug was born during a period of American peace and prosperity. Growth in industry and a robust job market gave workers an opportunity to build homes and start families that launched the baby boom era. In Eureka, Michigan, Jim and Bertha (Cordrey) Gross welcomed the birth of their second child on July 24, 1954. Both parents worked for the Oldsmobile corporation, and over time, Doug’s father also farmed.

Doug and his sister Barbara grew up on the property along Wildcat Road and attended St. Johns’ Schools. He played football and boxed in high school and started working at Dana Corporation in St. Johns before he graduated in 1973. He excelled in the job and showed leadership skills that got him elected union representative, the youngest in the company. After 20 years of service, Doug took an early buy-out and became his own boss.

Doug came into his element when he purchased a tavern in St. Charles, Michigan and named it Doug’s Friendly Tavern. He worked very hard at the business but also at cultivating a reputation for fairness and generosity. With his outgoing personality, he easily met people and could talk to just about anyone. His job was his joy, because it brought people together who—like himself—loved to socialize. It was there that he met Brenda LaFountaine and fell in love. The two became lifelong partners, and for nearly14 years, they shared the happiness of family life with her children.

Among his other loves, Doug went boating and fishing and on “Poker Runs” with his Harley buddies. He was extremely loyal and could read character very well. Having earned the trust of his community, he served on the St. Charles City Council for a time. As if he wasn’t already well known, Doug could be identified by his laugh. He called it a “chuckle,” but everyone else agreed it was a “giggle.” At any rate, it was amusing coming out of the mouth of a very big man.

Sadly, Doug was diagnosed with cancer in October of 2009. With his passing, his family will him in so many ways; among them, the constant contact he maintained with Brenda during his illness and the good-natured way they all poked fun of each other. From him they learned what it means to be honest and patient.

Douglas J. Gross, age 55, passed away Tuesday, May 11, 2010. He is survived by his life partner, Brenda LaFountaine, his step-daughter, Natasha Harris, step-son, Richard LaFountaine, grandchildren, Emilee Harris and Erin Rutch, half-brother, Terry (Wendy) Gross, special aunt, Arlene (Rich) McDougall and nieces and nephews. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Barbara Crowell and half-brother, Gary Gross. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Saturday, May 15, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns. Burial will follow the funeral mass at Mt. Rest Cemetery. His family will receive friends 6-8 pm Thursday, May 13 and 2-4 and 6-8 Friday with a rosary being prayed at 7 pm Friday evening at the Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of his family’s choice. To learn more about Doug and view his Life Story film, visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/58754. Arrangements by the Osgood Funeral Home.