Obituary: Bross, Otto Carl
Age 90
Otto was born November 5, 1922 to Harry and Lillian Bross, one of six children (two brothers and three sisters) in Philadelphia, PA. Otto attended Northeast High School for boys, and worked for the main post office in Philadelphia, PA for some time.
As the war began he decided to enlist on April 13, 1943 in the Army Air Corps (before the Air Force was a branch), hoping to be a fighter pilot (we believe his eyesight held him back).
As a member of the 815 Aviation Engineers they traveled throughout Europe building runways for our troops and allies.
The men of his unit were decorated with 36 Purple Hearts, four Bronze Stars and two Silver Stars, also including four citations for merit.
In 1945, as the war began to approach the end, he was sent to Geiger Field to await orders to be shipped to the Pacific.
During his time in Spokane, he spotted a red-headed young lady named Rosamae Carter on the Monroe Street Bridge (we believe it was love at first sight!).
(Daddy always loved to tell the story that he saved her from jumping off the bridge!)
Spending as much time together as possible, they spent many a night dancing at Nat Park during its heyday.
Receiving orders of his discharge, he was sent to Newark, NJ.
Otto and Rosie continued to correspond for three long years.
Seeing all his friends marrying, he longed to be with his love, so boarding a bus, he set out for Spokane in 1949.
Upon his arrival it wasn’t many days before they would marry on December 17, 1949.
Having nothing to their name, they shared their first six months together in a small apartment in what was then King Arthur’s Court.
The manager and his wife, seeing their struggle to start a home, provided them with everything they needed to start their life together.
Otto attended Kinman Business School and worked for the GSA helping to inventory the magnesium plant in Mead, WA.
Otto would soon begin a job with the postal service as a mail carrier which he held for many years, retiring in 1978.
Dad was very active during his younger years, working with the kids of Boy Scout Troop #430, loving to bowl and garden among other activities.
He was a member of the Moose Lodge for 50 plus years and joined the Valley Eagles as a member in 1978, spending his time on the Board.
He was likely to be calling Bingo on any given night, but for Momma and Daddy, their true calling was dancing weekly.
Their joy of dancing was seen by everyone.
Otto was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years “Momma Rosie”, the love of his life, together forever, their dance complete!
Otto is survived by his sons Ron Bross (Rhonda) of Cottonwood, CA, Terry Bross (Kathie) of Millwood, WA and Larry Bross of Spokane Valley, WA, and his daughter Pam Edwards of Spokane, WA.
Otto is also survived by his nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Our father, a proud, stubborn, German gentleman (never uttered a swear word in his life!
), lived independently until the last few months of his life.
Being able to drive was one of his last requests, driving his faithful Ford Taurus (aka The Green Hornet), until the last month of his life.
God’s gift to us was to have him well beyond our hopes…rest our weary soldier for your time has come, mission accomplished!
Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
Funeral Services will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley.
Interment will follow at Pines Cemetery.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Horizon Hospice for their compassionate care, especially Nurse Judy and Social Worker Karen.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice (Daddy’s favorites were the Salvation Army and the Union Gospel Mission).
Please feel free to wear bright and sunny clothes to celebrate Daddy Otto’s life.
Missed but never gone, forever in our hearts!
Your loving family.