Dr. William "Bill" Grosz

Dr. William "Bill" J. Grosz of Wahpeton, North Dakota, passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at his lake residence in Vining, Minnesota. Interment will be at 11 a.m.  Friday, July 29, 2022, at the Fargo National Cemetery, 8709 40th Avenue North, County Road 20, Harwood, ND 58042.  Pastor Tom Peterson will officiate.  Lunch will be at Porter Creek restaurant in Fargo, ND, immediately following the service.

Bill Grosz was born August 19, 1929, in Fargo, North Dakota to Richard and Hazel Grosz.

Bill graduated from Moorhead (MN) High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from what is now North Dakota State University in 1951.  He served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Bill married Mary Anne Gunderson in Moorhead on August 28, 1950.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy at North Dakota State University and completing his military service, Bill and MaryAnne moved to Wahpeton, North Dakota where

Bill managed and then owned the Wahpeton Drug Company. As with most pharmacies at that time it had a soda fountain with sandwiches, stools and tables and chairs and was a gathering place on the main street of Wahpeton, Dakota Avenue.

Bill was Executive Director of the North Dakota State Board of Pharmacy for 16 years and later president of the North Dakota State Board of Pharmacy. He received a Doctor of Science degree-honoris causa from NDSU. A long-time member of the North Dakota Pharmaceutical Association and its offices, Bill was a member of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.  He held numerous offices both state and federal in pharmaceutical governance, practice, law, and education. He received numerous awards and accolades from National, State, Pharmaceutical, and educational organizations. Bill was a fierce defender of all local and independent pharmacies throughout North Dakota and the region.

As Bill originally managed and owned a Rexall Pharmacy, he was instrumental in establishing college scholarships for pharmacy students at NDSU which is still ongoing.

Bill fervently believed in and acted upon the power of education to lessen the fetters hobbling human potential. He was actively involved in Wahpeton Public School activities and the Wahpeton Boy Scouts and promoting public health education. He recognized that a crown jewel of our communities is the North Dakota State College of Science. He helped establish the Dental Hygiene Program at NDSCS and gave unstintingly of his time and resources to the College as a teacher and benefactor. He and MaryAnne established in perpetuity scholarships for pharmacy students at the NDSU College of Pharmacy.

Bill loved Wahpeton for more than 70 years. He followed the example he witnessed set by Wahpeton’s most prominent citizen, RJ Hughes, concerning community betterment. Bill was a member and president for 4 years of the Wahpeton Park Board and Park District where he was instrumental in establishing the camping area in Chahinkapa Park among other endeavors. Bill was an active member of Wahpeton’s Community Development Corporation, Downtown Development Corporation, and long-time member and office holder of the Wahpeton Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of Kiwanis, Masons, and numerous pharmaceutical and charitable organizations. He occupied many positions over the years at Bethel Lutheran Church. Bill expressed his philosophy to the Daily News in 2009: “First my faith, then my family, then my profession – that’s where I start everything I do…” He lived his faith.

Anyone who knew Bill recognized his compassion, empathy, care, and concern for his fellow human beings. From his Christian faith, he followed two guiding stars: Strive mightily to live a moral life and help all those you can. His example to his children, family, and others cannot be calculated.

Bill’s beloved wife MaryAnne passed away 40 days before him. He was also preceded in death by his son Craig David Grosz.

Bill is survived by his son Judge Richard Grosz; daughter Rebecca Ann (Robert) Heilman; grandchildren Nora (Keaton) Laymon, Justin (Jenny) Grosz; Cassie (Jaden) Van Den Eide; great-grandchildren Tate, Madison, Caitlin, Lincoln, Wyatt, Creede, Kolby, and Kallissa.

Vertin-Munson Funeral Home in Wahpeton has been entrusted with arrangements. The family requests that any memorials be made to a charity of your choice.

“I am now and forever with my beloved.” “I now know.”