Peter Grossman, 94

Peter Grossman, age 94, of Northfield, passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side, on Thursday morning, June 20, 2024.

Peter Germain Grossman was born January 16, 1930, at home in Le Sueur County near New Prague, Minnesota, to Peter and Alma (Huss) Grossman.  He was baptized, confirmed, and attended school at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.  In 1947, Pete graduated from New Prague High School.  At the age of 17, he entered the Army Air Forces (AAF) – before it was even called the United States Air Force (USAF) and was stationed in Hawaii, originally as a meat cutter/butcher but working with the atomic bomb project.    He had an honorable discharge as Sgt. First Class in July 1950.  He then joined the United Stated Marine Corps (USMC) as a wire chief working telecoms.   He had an honorable discharge from there as a Corporal in November of 1951.  From there, Pete joined the National Guard/Army Reserve and served as Commander of the 747 Maintenance Battalion where he remained for many years.   He went to many schools and trainings including Fort Carson, Colorado and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas to be promoted as a Lt. Colonel in October 1976.    He retired as a full “bird” Colonel in March of 1990 from the Army Reserve.  He was a commander for 5 companies and 2 battalions. 

On August 2, 1952, Pete married Lorraine Barta at the Church of St. Dominic.  After marriage they made their home in Northfield and Pete worked as a lineman for Northwestern Bell in southern Minnesota. In 1954, they moved to New Prague and Peter worked as a plumber for Vanasek Plumbing while also serving in the Army National Guard. They returned to Northfield in 1955 and Pete worked as a plumber for George Michaelson. In 1957, Pete went to work for Northern States Power (NSP) and remained with them until 1987.  While at NSP, he installed gas line, then was a serviceman until 1970, then became Superintendent of Gas Operations in Faribault until his retirement in 1987.  He was a consultant until 1990. 

In retirement, Pete was passionate about coaching and watching his grandchildren in many sports and activities.  He was past commander of the American Legion, was a Grand Knight of the Northfield Knights of Columbus, served as president of the PTA, and belonged to the Faribault Rotary Club and the Northfield Sertoma Club for many years. 

Pete is survived by his children, Michael (Sally), Jon, Anthony (Jackie), Jeanne Gulan, all of Northfield, Susan (Bruce) McDougal of Fairfield, Maine, and Nancy (Phil) Kamp of Tucson, Arizona; grandchildren, Peter, Mikayla (Kyle), Anthony “TJ”, Melissa (Scott), Nick (Shannon), Drew, Charles (Basak), Matt (Katie), and Sam (Danielle); great-grandchildren, Maria (Chris), Tayler (fiancée Zach), Josie, Anthony “Tripp” Lucas, Daniel, Jacob, Keller, Elizabeth/Ellie Lorraine, Wyatt, Vivian, Scarlett, Gavin, Jacob, Ian and Liam; great-great grandchildren, Gemma, Grayson, and Georgia; his brothers Ronald (Beverly) Grossman of St. Catherine, Warren (Rosie) of Savage and other relatives and many friends.   He was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine, his son Gregory, his grandson Andrew McDougal, his brothers Lloyd, Kenneth, and Robert, his sisters Catherine Ramsbacher and LaRayne Stoesz, and his parents. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 28, at the Church of St. Dominic’s in Northfield.  Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 27 at the Bierman Funeral home as well as one hour prior to the funeral services at the church on Friday morning.  Pallbearers will be Melissa Musgjerd, Nicholas Gulan, TJ Grossman, Drew Gulan, Matthew Jaeckels, Peter Grossman, Samuel Jaeckels, and Mikayla Ell.

Interment with Military Honors will take place outside St. Dominics Church after the service on Friday.

Memorials will go to St. Dominics School and Mayo Clinic Childhood Cancer Research.

Arrangements are with Bierman, Benson and Langehough Funeral Home.