Robert Alan Grohman
December 9, 1924 - October 10, 2018
Obituary
Robert (Bob) Grohman passed away peacefully October 10, 2018 at his daughter’s home in Lake Tapps, WA at the age of 93.
Bob was born December 9, 1924 in Caledonia, Minnesota to Walter and Anne Grohman, the second of their seven children. He graduated from Loretto High School in 1942. After one year of college he enlisted in the Navy, where he worked on engineering and mapping airfields. Upon discharge in 1946 he returned to college, earning a Business Degree from the University of Minnesota. He began his career with Equitable Life Insurance Co. and within a year took a transfer to the Seattle office.
Bob enjoyed life in the beautiful Pacific Northwest outdoors. He met the love of his life, Rita Murphy, at a Catholic singles group and they enjoyed tennis, skiing, and hiking together, marrying in 1951. In 1956 they settled in their home in Burien where they raised six children. His career included mortgage lending at Home Savings and Loan Association, and in later years residential appraisals. His leisure activities included reading, poetry, gardening, and especially hiking, which led to his successful climb to the summit of Mt Rainier at the age of 54. He loved to explore, whether by foot or by car, appreciating the beauty of nature and passing that along to his children.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Rita, his parents, Walter and Anne Grohman, his brother William, sisters Mary, Betty, and Jean, and son-in-law Richard Leary II. He is survived by his brother Donald (Judy) Grohman, sister Gretchen (Wayne) Buege, children Tom (Tina) Grohman, Mary (Mosbah) Kushad, Barbara (Gary) Hartling, Patricia Leary, Teresa (Mike) Huiras, Margaret (Allan) Tegelberg, his grandchildren Michael Grohman and Kathleen Burton, Omar Kushad and Sabria Kablan, Steven and Brian Hartling and Jessica Antoniades, Melissa and Richard Leary III, William and Paul Huiras, Devin and Anna Tegelberg, and 7 great-grandchildren.
Bob was remarkable for being a patient listener, a careful speaker, and always putting his family first in every facet of life. He was a generous man who supported many charities and served those in need in his community through the St Vincent de Paul Society. He treated all with dignity and compassion.
Rosary, October 24, 7PM
Bonney Watson Funeral Home, Seatac WA
Funeral Services, St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Burien
Thurs. Oct 25 at 11 AM, luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Francis of Assisi church in Burien, WA
There are not enough words to put down in this small area for Dad. He was quiet in is mannerism, but a little Whittie is his quiet spoken voice When he and mom would walk into morning mass, always got that little smile and patiently would wait for me to hug mom first and than he would get his. Since he was so tall, and me so short, guess that’s why I began to call him his new Nick Name Baby Bob.Dad was a friend to all, and loved not only people, but our Parish, and Father Dick who were admired and respected not only by the two of them, but many of us here at St. Francis.
Moving to Merrill Gardens his new home, but even there, with his special quiet ways, he was loved by many. When Mom was no longer there, things changed and he just wanted to go home with family and prepare himself to leave this earth and be with mom Dad is with me everyday, along with mom, so they still are filling there special seat in the pews, with many fond memories.
Phil always looked forward to Sunday mornings upon entering the church. Mom, of course leading the way with her positive conversations, and dad quietly standing there beside her waiting for her to do all of her greetings, and he with his smiles. Memories never leave us, and my heart
always be filled with the Love and Caring Ways of both of your parents. I’m sure Mom is giving all of the ins and outs now that they are together We know Dad is at Peace and his life will always linger in our heart. May God Bless them both and all of you.
Lovingly,
Phil and Lil
It was my pleasure to serve with Bob for many years on the St. Francis Pastoral Council. Bob was kind, smart and a real asset on this committee. RIP Bob.