Edward Michael Gruss, son of Henry, was born on February 26, 1916 in Watervliet Township, Michigan. This location is taken from a copy of his birth certificate. In his military service records, Edward's place of birth is given as Coloma, Michigan. At the time of his birth, Edward's parents were living in Coloma. His obituary stated that he was born in Benton Center, Michigan. He died on April 12, 1992 at St. Joseph, Michigan. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery at Benton Harbor, Michigan on April 14, 1992.
During the second world war, Edward served in the United States Navy. He enlisted on January 21, 1944 at Benton Harbor, Michigan and entered active service on January 28, 1944. He took his basic training at Faragot, Idaho and was stationed for two years in the Pacific around the Carolina Islands aboard the USS Pararie AS15. He held the rank of Fireman, First Class and successfully completed the General Training Course for Non-Rate Men and the Training Course for Electrician's Mate, Third Class and all requirements for Petty Officer, Third Class. He was honorably discharged from the United State Navy Separation Center at Great Lakes, Illinois on 31 December, 1946.
In 1936, Edward was a gatebreaker at New Products Corp. in Benton Harbor, Michigan. However, he was a printer by profession. From January of 1937 to January of 1953, he worked for Remington Rand Inc. From January of 1953 to January of 1974, he worked for A&R Roe Printer. In January of 1974 he started his own printing business which was known as E.V.E. Gruss Printers. In addition, Edward operated a small fruit farmer on Paw Paw avenue in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Edward married on September 14, 1940 at Benton Harbor, Michigan to Virginia Leona Siriano, daughter of Sam Siriano and Giavanni Fiumefreddo. They were divorced on September 29, 1980. Virginia was born on January 28, 1921 at Benton Harbor, Michigan. She died on May 10, 1998 at South Haven, Michigan as a result of an automobile accident. She was buried in Calvary Cemetery at Benton Harbor, Michigan on May 13, 1998. For many years she assisted Edward with his printing business which was sold in 1987.
Edward and Virginia had four children.
Jean Mary married on June 15, 1963 at Benton Harbor, Michigan to Keith E. Roberts, son of Frederick Maynard Roberts and Gertrude Anna Freda Helmer. Keith was born at Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Jean Mary and Keith have two daughters.
Lonyta married on August 16, 1986 at Benton Harbor, Michigan to Kevin Joseph Kerschbaum, son of Charles Albert Kerschbaum and Jytte Andersen. Kevin was born on at St. Joseph, Michigan. Kevin is a Senior Associate at Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Lonyta and Kevin have two children.
Tina married on September 27, 1986 at St. Joseph, Michigan to Gary Lee Timm, son of Richard Ray Timm and Judy Diane Tibbs. Gary was born at Benton Harbor, Michigan. Gary is a master electrician by profession.
Tina and Gary have two children.
Edward Anthony Gruss was born on at Sacramento, California. He served in the United States Army and the Army Reserves. Edward retired from the service in April of 1996. He entered active served on June 15, 1970 at Ft. Wayne in Detroit, Michigan. He took basic training at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. He received the following medals: National Defense Service Medal, Expert Rifle M16 and Handgernade. Edward served at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Aberdeen, Maryland (September 25, 1970 - December 29, 1970). On December 29, 1970 he reported to Ft. Dix, New Jersey, from which he left for oversea duty. He was assigned to the 42nd HEM Company (Heavy Equipment Maintenance) at the William O'Draby Concern in Furth, Germany from January 1, 1971 to April 26, 1973. Edward was honorably discharged from active duty on April 26, 1973. While in active service, he attained the rank of Specialist Five E-5.
After being discharged from active service, Edward joined the 373rd. Military Police Confinement Grad Company on June 15, 1976. This unit later became the 567th. Military Police Hospital Security Company. While in the reserve service he attained the rank of Sergeant First Class E-7.
He is employed by Gast Manufacturing in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Edward married on October 27, 1973, at Benton Harbor, Michigan to Janice Marie DeSchaaf, daughter of Wilfred DeSchaaf and Josephine Marie Hauch. Janice was born on at Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Edward and Janice have two children.
Monica has one child.
Charmain Carla Ann Gruss was born at Benton Harbor, Michigan. Charmain is employed by the St. Joseph Public Schools at E.P.Clarke elementary school.
Charmain married on September 1, 1973 at Benton Harbor, Michigan to Ronald Lee Hanners, son of Marvin Lee Hanners and Mildred Marie Cortson. Ronald was born on at Benton Harbor, Michigan. He attended Lake Michigan College earning his Associate of Applied Science in business management in 1984. He then attended Siena Heights College earning his Bachelors of Arts in business adminstration in 1996. Ron, as he is known, was Vice-President of materials at Gast Manufacturing in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Presently, Ron is self-employed as a consultant.
Charmain and Ronald have two daughters.
Angela Ann Hanners was born at St. Joseph, Michigan. Angela attended Grand Valley State University earning her Bachelors of Arts in business administration in 1996. She is employed as a human resources assistant.
Angela married on June 3, 2000 at St. Joseph, Michigan to Charles (Chad) Herschel Williams, III, son of Charles Williams, Jr. and Darlene Leitch. Chad graduated from Grand Valley State University. He is an Inside Sales Coordinator.
Chad and Angela have one child.
Kellie Renee Hanners was born St. Joseph, Michigan. Kellie graduated from Western Michigan University in April of 2001 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance degree. She is a staff accountant for Lakeland Regional Health System.
On April 19, 2009, Kellie married Michael Paul Moore, son of Mark Moore and Susan Tenerelli. Michael is a deputy for the Berrien County Sheriff's Department.
Sources
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