Gus Martin Grosskopf

Gus was born in Travis County on January 2, 1925 to William Grosskopf and Bertha Engelmann Grosskopf. He graduated from Austin High School in 1942. He volunteered for the Army Air Force at 18 and earned his pilot's wings in 1944. Gus flew 24 combat missions in B-25s to Borneo and the Philippines.

After discharge from the Air Force in 1946, he met Carolyn Neffendorf on a blind date and they were married in 1947 and were blessed with two sons, Bill and Jack. Gus worked for about a year at a typesetting shop before entering the military service and again after his discharge. In 1955 he and Carolyn established their own business, G&S Typesetters. After completing engineering degrees at the University of Texas, both sons chose to join their parents in a family corporation that eventually had as many as 140 employees. After 50 years, Gus and Carolyn retired, and the family sold their company in 2005.

For over 60 years Gus was an active member, supporter, and regular attendee of St. Martin's Lutheran Church. He served on the Church Council, as a Boy Scout leader, and with a group of volunteers (Mop & Hammer) that built furniture and provided a variety of church repairs.

Gus was a gifted craftsman who loved working with his hands and mind to plan and create. He enjoyed woodworking, but could build anything from any type of material. Gus used his talents in service of others by building or repairing innumerable pieces of furniture for family, church, and friends and for doing repairs for those who needed his help.

Gus was preceded in death by his parents and sister (Mary Louise Jones) and his grandson (Steve Grosskopf). He is survived by family who loved him dearly: his wife, Carolyn; his two sons, Bill and Jack; their wives, Connie and Karen; grandchildren, Keith Grosskopf, Alyssa Martin, Ryan Grosskopf, Eric Grosskopf, John Pushnik, and Kyle Kabel; Keith's wife, Molly; Alyssa's husband, Garrett; Eric's wife, Erin; John's wife, Alisa, and great-grandchildren, Oliver and Stella Martin and Siobhanin Pushnik.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider donations to the St. Martin's Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, a recipient of many gifts from Gus and Carolyn.

Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 4, from 6-8 pm at Weed-Corley-Fish at 3125 North Lamar Blvd. Funeral service will be at St. Martin's Lutheran Church at 6:30 pm on Friday, Sept. 5, at 606 West 15th St.