Date of Death: May 23, 2021
Service Details
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.
Obituary Notice
Dr. Douglas Raymond Gross (Ph.D.), age 85, died on May 23, 2021, surrounded by close family.
Douglas was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 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, Michigan, 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, Michigan, and Kalamazoo, Michigan, 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, Michigan, 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.
Additional Information
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.
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I was his neighbor for only a short time but I really liked him. Nice guy, really smart, and easy to get along with. I shall miss him a lot.
Doug’s death leaves a deep hole in my heart after a friendship of nearly 30 years which began when I was a graduate student at ASU. He is a person who did so much good in this world with his many gifts and talents, especially with his gentle kindness and his deep commitment to bringing goodness into the lives of every person he touched.
Maureen, Marlo and Liza, my love and condolences are most deeply with you who suffer the deepest loss and sorrow at his passing. Always know how deeply he loved and treasured you, and how much lasting happiness and deep joy you brought to both Doug and Lola, giving them the deepest family experiences they otherwise would have missed. He was truly such a treasure. Rest in true peace, my dear friend.
I agree with this beautifully written message. Doug was so kind, caring, intelligent, and compassionate. A very good friend to my parents and family. We miss you, Doug. Annette (Bippus) Curtis
Mr. Doug’s family & friends,
We are so sorry for your loss.
We became friends with Doug thru
Lions Club. He was always upbeat &
kind. I loved to listen to him talk of his many adventures throughout his life.
Even when his health became more difficult, he was always concerned
about how you were doing.
Rest In peace dearest Doug. You are now with your true love Lola.
Prayers & hugs,
David & Denise Miller
Doug was a cherished friend and colleague in Lions projects. In short, he was truly a gentleman and a gentle man.
I was one of Dr Gross’s doctoral students at Arizona State University. He was an inspiring teacher and mentor and am so grateful for his influence and presence in my life. He has left a legacy of touching people directly and through his students, who impact the lives of so many people. Rest in Peace Doug. We miss you. Tom Ferguson
Great conversations With Doug during Water Festival at the Lions Club Ox Roast. . His intelligence And compassion we’re always at the forefront. His passing will leave a void in our community.
Doug was a kind and gentle man and I will miss his friendship. He is now with his beloved Lola who he has missed so much.
Dear Taylor,
Many thanks for your kind words about Doug. He was a very special, gentle soul, as you mention. His absence will be deeply felt by his family. He was more of a Dad to me and he and Lola Grandparents to my daughters, Liza and Marlo, than he was an uncle.
Doug was a very dear friend. He will be greatly missed. Will cherish the memories. Prayers for the family.
I’m very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed chatting with Doug when I saw him at Lions events. He did a lot to help the community.