Oliver "Ollie" Grossman

Oliver “Ollie” J. Grossman, age 79, of Alexandria, formerly of Morris, died Saturday, February 4, 2017, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Fr. Bob Kieffer and Fr. Alan Wielinski officiating. Music is provided by pianist, Laurie J. Youngers and cantor, Erin Takle. Burial is at Calvary Cemetery in Morris.

Visitation is Tuesday from 5-7 p.m., with a 5 p.m., prayer service at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. The visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Oliver Joseph Grossman was born January 8, 1938, in Graceville, MN to Michael and Agnes (Leuthard) Grossman. He was raised on the family farm near Chokio. He graduated from Chokio High School in 1956. Ollie was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Sullivan on September 16, 1961, in Graceville, MN. He farmed until 1963, when they moved to Morris and he started work at Chandler Wilbert Vault Company. He then worked at Willie's Super Valu - retiring in 2000. Ollie and Mary Ellen were able to spend 16 wonderful years wintering at Carriage Manor in Mesa, AZ. Since 2015, they have enjoyed living at The Legacy in Alexandria.

Ollie was a former member of Assumption Catholic Church in Morris from 1963-2015 and was currently a member of St. Mary's Church in Alexandria. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1960, and the Eagles Club since 1976. Ollie and Mary Ellen also volunteered at the food shelf and delivering meals on wheels.

In his younger days he loved playing baseball, refereeing basketball, bowling and throwing horseshoes.

Ollie was an avid sports fan especially his beloved Minnesota Twins. He loved attending his grandchildren's activities. Pastimes included card playing, billiards, puzzles, golf, walking, visiting a casino now and then and seeing the country with Rustad Tours. If you saw Ollie you could bet that he would have a joke for you and maybe even tease you a little bit. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Ollie was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Gordon, Ray, and Leo; brother-in-law, Bill Bowe; and sisters-in-law, Judy Grossman and Lee Barr.

Ollie is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Grossman; five daughters, Laura (Bob) Griffith of Fergus Falls, Marilyn Grossman of Crystal, Ann (Mike) Casey of Barnum, Jill Grossman of Morris, and Kari (Scott) Kutz of Alexandria; 11 grandchildren, Ryan (Jackie) Griffith, Brady (Jenny Brustuen) Griffith and Josh Griffith, Emma, Eli and Quinn Casey, Megan (Brady) Godtland, Shelby Hoyer and Ryanne Bisgard, and Jessica and Cody Kutz; three great-grandchildren, Logan, Grant and Lizzy Griffith; two brothers, Jim (Margaret) Grossman and Clete Grossman; three sisters, Rose Anne Bowe, Sr. Charlene Grossman and Kate (Jay) Powell; sister-in-law, Barb Grossman; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Pallbearers are his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are his granddaughters and all who called him “friend.”

The family prefers memorials to your charity of choice.