WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Dr. Douglas Raymond Gross (Ph.D.), age 85, died on Sunday, May 23, 2021, surrounded by close family.
Douglas was born in Grand Rapids on September 13, 1935. He was the fifth son born to William and Viola (Hayser) Gross, but was raised by his Aunt and Uncle, James and Dorothy McLaughlin, following the death of his mother at childbirth.
Douglas grew up in Newaygo, graduating from Newaygo High School in 1953. Further education included a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Western Michigan University, in addition to a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Dr. Gross’ professional work history included public school teaching and administration in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, and 29 years as a Professor of Counseling and Counseling Psychology at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. He chaired the ASU Counseling Department and ushered countless graduate students through their Doctorates and into their professions as psychologists, counselors, treatment professionals and beyond. In that same time period he served as a co-author and co-editor for 25 editions of textbooks. His texts are translated widely into numerous languages and have served thousands of college students in the field throughout the world. Dr. Gross retired as Professor Emeritus from Arizona State University in 1997.
On August 8, 1959, Doug married the love of his life, Lola (DeLong) Gross, Ph.D. They held parallel careers in Education in Arizona. Upon their retirement in the late 1990’s, they returned to Lola’s hometown, Three Rivers, where they were active and engaged in the community and served on numerous boards. After retirement, Doug was a consultant for Carondolet Management for 14 years, conducting workshops throughout 25 states in the area of Grief and Bereavement.
Doug was an active member of the Three Rivers Lions Club, did extensive volunteer training and work with Three Rivers Hospice, participated in several Bridge groups, and spent time with friends and family. His interests included international travel, cruises, volunteer work, classic old films, book editing and reading. Doug particularly loved London (and London Theatre in the West End), which he and Lola visited frequently. Doug cultivated long, meaningful, close relationships with a vast, lifelong network of friends, colleagues, students and former students, and family. Doug had a way of making everyone feel fully accepted and special.
Douglas was preceded in death by his wife, Lola, his parents, William and Viola Gross, the aunt and uncle who raised him, James and Dorothy McLaughlin, and his four older brothers, Robert Gross, George Gross, Edward Gross, and William Gross. He leaves his Sister-in-Law, Jacquelyn (“Jackie” DeLong) Zweering, nieces Maureen DeLong Knapp (Umberto Fadani), Teresa Tedrow (Jim Luczak), Mary (Tedrow) Rozeboom (Jim), and Nancy Vaughn. Doug’s surviving nephews are Steve (Susan) Gross, David (Janus) Roy, Phillip (Lisa) Roy, Jeff (Linda) Tedrow, Timothy Tedrow, Patrick (Janis) Vaughn, Peter (Linda) Vaughn, Frederick Zweering, Jr., and a myriad of Grand Nieces and Grand Nephews, including Marlo G. Knapp-Fadani and Liza M. Knapp-Fadani, to whom Doug and Lola had been active ‘grandparents’ for 19 years, following the death of their own maternal and paternal grandparents.
Based upon his wishes, cremation has taken place and his ashes will be buried next to Lola. Doug preferred that no memorial service be held at this time. The Family will be in contact about future plans to celebrate Doug’s life and the meaningful impact he has had on so many in his midst.
Those wishing to make memorial donations may do so in his name to the Three Rivers Lions Club (420 Sixth Avenue, Three Rivers, MI 49093), the Three Rivers Hospice, Compassion and Choices or the St. Joseph County Michigan Animal Shelter (for Adoption and Care of Animals in their care). Envelopes are also available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of his arrangements.
