Denise Grossman

Denise Mae Grossman, 63, of Rugby, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, with loved ones by her side, at the Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Center in Mandan, North Dakota.

Denise was born on August 23, 1962 to Harold and Argie (College) Bellerud in Rugby, North Dakota. She spent her early years in Esmond, North Dakota, where she graduated from Esmond High School. Denise later moved to Rugby, where she built much of her life, career, and family. On September 13, 1986, she married Donnie Grossman, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned nearly four decades.

Denise commenced her employment at the Coffee Shop, subsequently renamed Rose’s Café. She later established her own home daycare and devoted many years to the United States Post Office, initially serving as a rural carrier in the Towner area. Later, she accepted an inside clerk position, becoming a recognizable and approachable presence at the post office window. She later transferred to Rugby where she was recognized for her dependable work ethic, cordial manner, and sincere concern for others, Denise retired in 2020 following a distinguished and longstanding career in public service. Denise was loving, passionate, and deeply devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the true joy of her life. She enjoyed fishing, camping, trike rides, golfing, and all activities that included her grandchildren. She enjoyed creating crosses to encourage people newly diagnosed with cancer–or simply to lift them up. She also had a well-known sense of humor and often joked that she knew she would pass away before the Minnesota Vikings ever won the Super Bowl–a remark that never failed to bring a smile to those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Argie (College) Bellerud; her father- and mother-in-law, Marvin and Ellen (Odegard) Grossman; and her brothers-in-law, Brad Grossman and Blair Thomas. Denise is survived by her loving husband, Donnie Grossman of Rugby; her son, Jamey Grossman, and his wife Nicole Grossman; her cherished grandchildren, Danica Grossman (18), Kate Grossman (14), and Camden Grossman (12); her siblings, Margie Thomas and Harold Bellerud; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Kathy (Dano) Krosbakken, Cindy (Kenny) Selzler and Karl Grossman along with many extended family members and friends.

Denise will be remembered for her kindness, her easy smile, her dedication to her family, and the many small but meaningful connections she made throughout her life. Her legacy lives on through the people she loved and the lives she touched.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 6, at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Rugby. Burial at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Esmond.

Organist: Pam Anderson Soloist: Steve Mueller

Eulogist: Danica Grossman

Casket Bearers: Dan Krosbakken, Jordon Grossman, Justin Thomas, Jade Thomas, Kyle Thomas and Ken Hooker

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, April 11, 2026.