IN MEMORIAM: Willy Otto Grosslinger,85;

Vietnam Vet Rose To Master Sergeant Rank

ONEONTA – Willy Otto Grosslinger, 85, a Vietnam veteran who spent his career in the Air Force, retiring as a master sergeant, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019.

Willy was born on July 10, 1934, in South Orange, N.J., and was the son of the late William and Sophie (Nusch) Grosslinger. On Jan. 11, 1958, he married Solveig “Penny” Hognestad in Sandnes, Norway and they have enjoyed over 60 years together.

Willy served for 20 years in theAir Force and was a Vietnam War veteran.

During his time in the Air Force, he was able to travel and live in many different countries around the world, eventually retiring as master sergeant from Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, N.M.

He was a long-standing member of the American Legion Post 259 in Oneonta and enjoyed driving his old 1952 Ford truck around town. He could often be found hanging with the boys at Stewarts for coffee in the morning. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, working in his vegetable garden, and spending time with his family and beloved dog, Sofie.

Willy is survived by his loving wife Penny; daughter, Tina Grosslinger; grandchildren, Lexi (Scott) McHenry, Shanna (Chris) Boning, Kasey (Sean) Fisher and Calli Jo Sheldon; great-grandchildren, Bryden, Peyton, Lily, and William, and his sister Connie Tilley. He is predeceased by his great-grandchild Chase Fisher.

In keeping with his wishes, his services will be held privately and at the convenience of his family.

Willy loved his country and one way he demonstrated that was by proudly displaying the American flag, so in lieu of flowers, please consider displaying a flag in his memory and thanking a veteran.

For online condolences to his family you can visit www.JohnstonFH.com
His family has entrusted the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris with his care.