Phillip Groesser

Phillip Owen Groesser, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on September 20, 2025, following a battle with Alzheimer’s. Phil was 84.

Phil was born on June 2, 1941, in Suttons Bay to the late Milton and Margaret (Dobson) Groesser.

On September 9, 1961, Phil married Karen (Tossey) Groesser at St. Francis Church in Traverse City.

Following their wedding, Phil and Karen moved to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, where Phil attended Central Michigan University and Karen worked at an eye clinic until they started a family.

Together, Phil and Karen had two sons: Chris Groesser of Rochester Hills and the late Paul Groesser of Traverse City. The family later moved to Owosso, where Phil began his career as a State Farm Insurance Agent. He subsequently moved into agency management and relocated to Mt. Pleasant.

In 1992, Phil moved to Traverse City on beautiful Island Lake and returned to working as an Insurance Agent in Traverse City, retiring in 2008.

After almost 60 years of marriage, Karen passed away on February 15, 2020, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

On November 23, 2021 Phil married his current wife, Lea (Pinckney) Groesser, and they enjoyed almost 4 years together.

He loved spending time outdoors and especially enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with his grandchildren, brothers and their wives, and other family and friends, including neighbors and close friends Mary and Lynn DeLong

Along with his wife, Lea, Phil is survived by his son Chris and his wife Kari, their children Madelyn, Owen, Lily, and Ella of Rochester Hills, Michigan; brothers Tom and his wife Pat, and Jerry and his wife Judy; as well as many nieces and nephews. Phil is also survived by stepchildren Kathy (Dennis) Perkins and Duane (RaeDeane) Pinckney, along with many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Milton and Margaret; his son, Paul; and his granddaughter, Sarah, whom he cared for over 20 years.

Phil was deeply devoted to his Lord and Savior, faithfully attending the Church of the Living God for over 20 years, as well as New Hope Community Church.

A celebration of life will be held on October 10, 2025, at New Hope Community Church, 5100 Bethesda Ct, Williamsburg, Michigan, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Lunch will follow.

Private Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Suttons Bay at a date yet to be determined.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and memories.