William (Bill) GrosJacquesWilliam Vincent GrosJacques, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday Oct. 8, 2023. Bill was born Sept. 21, 1933 to Peter Vincent and Madeline (Fennimore) GrosJacques. He was the oldest of three sons.
He graduated from Mt. Angel Prep School at the age of 17. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy and served in the Korean War. Shortly after returning to the States, Bill married Charlotte Kintz on Aug. 11, 1956. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage. Bill lived nearly all his life on the 17-acre GrosJacques homestead on the west side of Abbey Hill.
He was a volunteer firefighter for Mount Angel for 13 years. Bill worked for the Benedictine Sisters Monastery for 17 years as maintenance coordinator. In 1979 he started working at the Oregon State Correctional Institute where he was in charge of the heating and locks, until retirement.
Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, crabbing, and clam digging. On many of these adventures he took his grandchildren along. They have many fond memories of Grandpa. Bill took great pride in his small farm whether it was taking care of his animals, chopping wood or attending to his many gardens. Nothing went to waste. He farmed up until May. He was also known for his homemade jerky and sausage.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte; children, Vincent GrosJacques, Ruth Ebner, Rose (Greg) Beyer, Jayne (Tom) Frey, Gail (Don) Ruef, and Mary Jo (Mike) Lundquist; 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim and Ray; daughter, Leona; granddaughter, Rachel; and son-in-law, Nick Ebner.
Services were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mount Angel on Oct. 18 with Rosary and Funeral Mass, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary’s Parish, Mt. Angel Fire Department or Willamette Vital Health (Hospice). Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.
