Robert D. Grothe

Robert "Bob" Grothe passed away peacefully on Sunday June 17th, 2018 after courageously battling multiple health problems in his later years and then cancer.

Robert was born on July 19th, 1936 in Fond du Lac. He grew up on a dairy farm in Stockbridge where his father ran a cheese factory. When he was 20, he enlisted in the army and was stationed in Japan as an E-4 Specialist. He then moved to Appleton and from 1961-1989, Robert served as an Appleton firefighter and retired as Captain. During his years in the fire department, he enrolled at Fox Valley Technical College and earned his degree in HVAC. He continued his HVAC after retiring from the fire department.

Robert had many interests and hobbies including hunting, fishing, and farm tractors. He was a very hardworking handyman and could fix almost anything. He had special knowledge in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and small engines. He collected a lot of tools. He especially enjoyed his tree farm in Neshkoro, where he built his own home. Robert also enjoyed spending his free time with family and his girlfriend, Barbara. They enjoyed their travels to Alaska and California, and her family reunions. He cherished his time with his sons fishing and hunting in Oregon, and spending every deer hunting season with the boys at his home, hunting on his land. He also always enjoyed going to his daughter’s home for the holidays to spend time with all the children.

Robert will be greatly missed by his daughter Linda (Steve) Van Fossen, son John (Becky) Grothe, daughter-in-law Sharon Grothe, grandkids Amanda (Corey) Cundy, Ben (Lisa) Grothe, Meghan (Alex) Harris, Jordan Van Fossen, Angela Steinberg, Kiana Van Fossen, great-grandkids Cora and Caleb Cundy, and Brooklyn Grothe, sister Donna (Lou) Vandenboom, several nieces and nephews, and loving partner Barbara Peterson.

He is preceded in death by his parents Dewey and Amy (Parsons) Grothe, sisters: Beverly (Leslie) Spencer, Vivian (Jim) Raybern, Vyonne (Lester) Bahrs, and son Steven Grothe.

Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond Street with Rev. Mike Huff officiating. Friends and family may visit at the funeral home from 9:00 am until the time of service. Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton, with Military Honors. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wounded Warriors in Robert Grothe’s name.

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