Command Master Chief, R. Marc Grose, USN, Retired, 57, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center.
Marc was born January 26, 1966, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of John Roger and Eleanor Ada (Wittenmyer) Grose. He met Michelle Lee Price when they were both three years old and made her his wife on June 2, 1985, in Williamstown, Ohio.
His wife and best friend, Michelle survives as does his children, Andrew (Katie) Grose of Warrenton, Virginia and Allison (Samantha) Sawyer of South Mills, North Carolina; his mother, Eleanor Grose of Mishawaka, Indiana; his two sisters, Beth (Jay) Freet of Mishawaka and Bonnie (Joe) Corn of Akron, Ohio and his grandson, Liam “Gus” Sawyer. He is preceded in death by his father.
Marc graduated from Hardin Northern High School and later enlisted in the United States Navy. He served for thirty years, holding positions as a medical laboratory technician and instructor, retiring as Command Master Chief. Marc was stationed in the Virginia area, Japan, California, Illinois, North Carolina and Italy and had served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in the services he obtained his bachelor’s degree.
After retiring, he moved to Lake Bracken Country Club to be closer to friends he had met in the service. Marc enjoyed every aspect of what Lake Bracken had to offer. The lake, boating, golfing, fishing and most importantly making new friends and socializing. He was the life of the party and all-around great guy. Marc took in the simple pleasures of a smooth bourbon and cigar. He was a proud member of the local VFW #2257 and was a volunteer firefighter for Lake Bracken. In February, Marc began working for the Knox County Veterans Assistant Commission office, making sure that veterans in Knox County were receiving their full benefits.
Marc’s wishes were to be cremated and scattered at sea, with hopes that his ashes would blow into the face of a third-class petty officer. But not before his party to celebrate a life well lived. His celebration will be held from 1:00-4:00 pm Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Lake Bracken Country Club. An additional Celebration will be in Virginia in 2024 (Times and Dates will be announced later). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting his family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
