David Grosse

Portrait of David Grosse.

David Grosse, age 86, took his final rest on May 1, 2020 in Logan County, Colorado due to complications associated with COVID-19. David contracted the virus while incarcerated at Sterling Correctional Facility. The former Air Force chaplain and retiree is survived by a large, supportive family including four sons: Tim, Jeff, Jay, and Curt; one daughter, Glenda; a sister, Eunice Wilhelm; 13 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. He meets his wife Donna in his eternal resting place, after 56 years of marriage.

Born in Lansdale, Pennsylvania in 1934, David was a man of driven aspirations, according to his online obituary. After marrying Donna in Akron, Ohio in 1956 he pursued a selfless career path of listening to and counseling others. After working at DuPont Chemical Plant briefly during his early years, he decided to dedicate himself to full-time service and support.

Beginning in 1962, in the Church of Nazarene, David became an ordained minister. Heeding the call of selflessness and service he then went on to receive a B.A. from Eastern Nazarene College, Master of Religious Education from Yale, and Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary at Boston University. Also accomplished was his graduation from Air War College.

Chaplain Grosse’s service included pastoring at churches in California, Connecticut, Kansas, and Wyoming, as well as being commissioned as a chaplain in the United States Air Force.

As Chaplain, Mr. Grosse served both at home and abroad and was honorably discharged with the rank of Colonel in 1993.

During his service in the Air Force, Chaplain Grosse received numerous medals, awards, and accolades including the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

After retirement, Chaplain Grosse invested his time in consulting for the Church of the Nazarene, where he became the Director of Chaplaincy Education.

Chaplain Grosse was also an acclaimed author of books, articles, and journal publications from 1977 until 1986 which included military topics, religious texts, and educational material.

May his selfless service and dedication to people, faith, and education be the light he leaves, and serve as a guiding light to his family and friends.

This memorial was written by MOL team member Beth Muse with information from an obituary on Legacy and reporting by Lance Benzel of The Gazette and Colorado Public Radio. Transcribed by Eliza Kravitz.

Original artwork by MOL team member EJ Joyner.