Red Skeleton, Mike Royko, Erma
This is the obituary of Emanuel Grosz who showed Shetland ponies. I never met Emanuel or any members of his family but after reading his obituary in the Argus Leader of Wednesday, November 26, 1997, I feel that I know him as an individual who made a real difference in this world. Not only did he show Shetland ponies but he loved things that were pretty. Part of the beauty in his life was his love for family, near and far. Nice person, Emanuel Grosz. And now I quote the obituary printed in the Argus Leader.
Eight years ago, Emanuel Grosz suffered a stroke while driving home from a Crooks farm where he boarded his prized Shetland ponies.
Doctors said he wouldn't survive the night. His chest and throat were paralyzed.
But he did survive the stroke. Norman Grosz of Sioux Falls said that was a testament to his father's zeal for life - and his goal to outlive other members of his family, which he did.
Emanuel Grosz, 95, died Monday, Nov. 24, 1997, at the Southridge Health Care Center, 3600 S. Norton Ave., where he had lived since he suffered the stroke.
Mr. Grosz loved children. He loved baseball. He loved breeding and showing Shetland ponies, which he did for 65 years.
"He loved pretty near anything." Norman Grosz said. "I'd take the grandchildren over there, and he would smile to beat the band."
Norman Grosz said he spent many long nights with his father preparing the horses for shows. Mr. Grosz showed the ponies for 65 years at the South Dakota State Fair.
"Practically all Shetland ponies (shown in the state) come from our herds," Norman Grosz said. "My father always wanted a pony when he was young."
Mr. Grosz was born March 9, 1902 in Olivet. He married Flossie Gillette in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1926. The couple farmed for several years in the Olivet, Menno and Scotland area.
He lost his farm in the aftermath of the Great Depression and turned to carpentry work.
Mr. Grosz moved the family in 1955 to Sioux Falls, where he worked as a carpenter for many companies, including Krienz Construction Co. and Grosz Insulation Co., which his sons owned.
His wife died in 1985.
Mr. Grosz's casket will be carried in the cemetery by a horse-drawn hearse provided by Jerry Adrian and Ken Tschetter.
Norman Grosz said the procession is an honor to his father.
It's kind of like a fraternity; (of breeders)," he said. "it's one of those things they were honored to do."
In addition to his son, survivors include another son, Morris of Sioux Falls; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Services will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at St. John American Lutheran Church, with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 8 a.m. Thursday at Miller Funeral Home, with the family present from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
****
Now you may quarrel with the writers structuring of the obituary, but that's typical of the newspaper writers of today. They have a nice story and somehow forget the significance of the event that they are witnessing.
Here lies Emanuel Grosz. Overcame the hardships and sacrifices of the Great Depression. Lost the farm but saved the family. Always wanted a pony and by-damn not only did he get a pony but he got "the best". Wanted to outlive the rest of the family and while our obit writer didn't say who, besides his wife preceded him in death, we must assume that he did that as well. And now he's dead, but he is remembered. Other breeders who in respect arranged for a horse-drawn hearse. No mean task in today's busy world.
Tough people these South Dakotans. Simple in setting the tasks; and, accomplished in seeing them through. As Red Skeleton would have said, "God Bless".
ABOUT Joe Wortham