Eunice Lorraine Groesser

Eunice Lorraine Groesser, 93, of Traverse City, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, May 14, 2015, at her home surrounded by her loving husband and devoted granddaughter. Eunice was born on May 2, 1922, in Traverse City, Michigan, to the late Elmer and Lovina Bagnel. After meeting at a dance hall and following a courtship, Eunice married Vern Thoreson Groesser on May 2, 1960, in Traverse City, Michigan. Vern became the stepfather to her son, the late Harold Laird, and she the stepmother to his son, Jerry Groesser. Eunice was one of the first woman meat cutters in the state of Michigan. She worked at Oleson’s Food Stores for over 30 years and retired in the early 80s. Eunice enjoyed outings to the casino with her granddaughter. It was a time for her to just relax and forget all her worries. She also bowled for many years on leagues with her husband and good friends. She also had a passion for writing country songs and would send them to Nashville to try and get recorded. The last two years of Eunice’s life were medically challenged. Her loving granddaughter, Kelly Laird, moved in with her and Vern so that they may stay in their home and enjoy the comfort of each other for the rest of their days. Eunice loved her family. Her pride and joys were her son, stepson, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Eunice was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Traverse City Eagles, Traverse City VFW, Traverse City Elks Club, and the American Military League of Traverse City. Eunice touched many lives with her loving and giving heart. She will be remembered for her strong will and her determination. Eunice will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Surviving Eunice is her husband of 55 years, Vern Groesser; stepson, Jerry (Joanne) Groesser; grandsons, Mike (Barb) Laird and Todd (Corianne) Laird; granddaughter, Kelly Laird; great grandchildren, Carley Laird, Nicholas Laird, Madison Laird, Cassandra Laird, Skylar Laird, Rebecca Steinebach, and Megan Steinebach; many nieces and nephews; and several very special friends. Eunice was preceded in death by her father, Elmer Bagnel; her mother, Lovina Bagnel; her son, Harold Laird; her daughter-in-law, Sandra Laird; and her sisters, Thelma Canfield and Helen Kosar. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2015, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to service at the funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to Munson Hospice or the Father Fred Foundation in memory of Eunice. Please share your thoughts and memories of Eunice by way of her online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Eunice Lorraine Groesser

May 2, 1922 - May 14, 2015