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Dr. Charles Groeling

FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-Drechsler Brown & Williams Funeral Home

203 S. Marion St.

Oak Park, Illinois

Charles Groeling Obituary

Name: Visitation for Dr. Charles Groeling
Start: 2014-01-22T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-01-23T02:00:00.000Z
Location: CLOSED-Drechsler Brown & Williams Funeral Home

Dr. Charles R. Groeling, age 84, of Oak Park, formerly of Morton Grove and Evanston, veteran U.S. Army, Korea; beloved husband of Carol nee Rosenthal; loving father Katherine and Richard (Lynn) Groeling and Barbara (Steven) Downs; loving grandfather of Christopher, Claudia and Grace Groeling, and Emma Downs; former husband of the late Alice Groeling. Charles, a music educator for over 54 years, taught at Fond du lac High School, Niles East and West High Schools, Roosevelt University and Triton College, he also performed and conducted for various orchestras in the Chicago area for many years. His passion for music touched countless lives. Memorial visitation Wednesday Jan. 22 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. at United Lutheran Church 409 Greenfield St., Oak Park. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations to American Cancer Society or United Lutheran Church are appreciated. Funeral info: drechslerbrownwilliams.com or 708-383-3191.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Groeling

31 Entries

Stan Smith

February 3, 2015

Very sorry to hear of the passing of my high school band director. I was in his first band in Fond du Lac Wisconsin. He was an excellent person, musician and friend.

Lorri (Kanter) Otis

September 29, 2014

I did a search to find Dr. Groehling, in order to say hello after all these years. I was so sorry to see that I missed him. I would have liked to let him know personally how much he meant to me. So, to his family, I will say that he was probably the one teacher with the greatest impact on me. He taught us life's values through music. He taught us self-respect, and respect for others. He taught us patience, persistence, and the value of hard work. He taught us to hear our own voice, and how to meld our voice with the voice of many for good. He must have been an amazing father and grandfather. My condolences to you on your loss. May his memory be for a blessing.

May 20, 2014

Charles was greatly supportive to me as an Artist & helpful on a personal level. A profoundly giving & loving man & professional. I am grateful for all he gave me in my formative years. He was A Blessing.
John Klemmer

Tina Pearsall

May 15, 2014

To my favorite mentor and advisor. The best music educator ever. You will be missed Dr.Groeling.

Bill Brier

April 27, 2014

I just learned of the death of my high school music teacher.

It's been many years since I last saw Dr. Groeling, but I still recall how much I enjoyed having him as a teacher, both in scheduled classes and in private instruction (he got me hooked on jazz). In classes, he always managed to maintain just the right amount of levity, which helped to turn the sometimes dry aspects of music education into interesting experiences. Never one to be the stiff pedant, he encouraged exploring music in every possible way, for which I was grateful.

I'm very sorry for the Groeling family's lost and wish I had known sooner so I could have paid my respects.

Mark Reitman

April 12, 2014

I have fond memories of Mr Groeling. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mark Reitman
Niles West Choir
Class of '65

Karen Heaney

March 30, 2014

Sending love to my cousin Charles's children and grand children. Love Karen Heaney (Hermann)

March 17, 2014

Dr. Groeling
My three children Denise, Thomas & Natalie will always remember your kind, sweet and firm ways in learning music. They remember no better teacher when having to do their music scales on the blackboard. Your love for clarinet was shared deeply, and your train set in the basement was the best treat ever for your students.
We will miss you Dr. Groeling, and thank you for inspiring my children.
The Lamms

Kimberly White-Lott

March 8, 2014

I have very fond memories of Dr. Groeling at Roosevelt University. My condolences to his family.

A. Sanchez

February 18, 2014

Dr. G was the best violin teacher ever. Although his main purpose was band he guided me when I needed help I will miss him so much. My prayers to his family class of 2013 in Scammon Elementary will really miss him. Dr. G may you rest in peace. I still cant believe you left us, just 2 weeks before his death I went to look for him back into my middle school but my teacher and one of his greatest friends Stanley Wozniak had told me he was in the hospital. Never would I have thought he would die. He touched a lot of hearts in the world of music and I know it will be a hard thing to get used to since all the Scammon kids see him every wednesday for lessons with him.

Ron Unterschuetz

February 15, 2014

Very fond memories of my '57-'61 Nilehi band years thanks in a large part to Dr. Groeling.

Gary Shayne

February 4, 2014

I am sorry to learn of your loss. I know he will be missed by you and everyone of his students who benefited from his wisdom, guidance and kind and words.

Chris Zwetz

January 30, 2014

Katherine, Barbara, and "Woochie," I just heard about your dad, and I'm at a loss for words. Your dad was absolutely awesome! He was far more than "just a teacher." He's a big reason why I teach middle school. Your dad was "real," and ALWAYS had time for his students. I'm so sorry I never took the time to tell him how much he meant, and still means to me. My heart goes out to the family . . . . "Dr. G" made a difference!
- Trumpet player

Bob Freud

January 28, 2014

Although I was a Violinist and Dr. Groeling was a Band Conductor, he always conducted the Musical Theater Orchestra at Niles West High School. As a member of that orchestra for 4 years, I can attest to his professionalism, patience, humor and kindness in that position. He left an indelible impression on my life and my continuing love of music. Rest in peace Dr. G.

Charles Brauner

January 27, 2014

Charles and I were long-time colleagues at Roosevelt, as well as fellow Oak Parkers. My deepest sympathy for your loss.

Mary Sortal

January 25, 2014

Many of my happiest high school memories are with the Niles West band under Dr. Groeling's leadership. Every time I drive to New York and go over the Tappan Zee Bridge, I think of our band trip on the bus! Our sympathies to Katherine, Richard, and Barbara. The Sortal Family

Dianne Ryan

January 24, 2014

My condolences to Carol and all the Groeling family. Dr. G. was my dear friend and mentor. We can't really boast of knowing very many TRULY exceptional human beings in our lifetimes but Dr. Groeling was one of them. He was TIRELESS even up to the very end of his life at helping others. His passion for music was overshadowed only by his love of others and desire to help them, especially through music -- not only sharing the joy of music but allowing it to enrich our lives and the lives of all whom we ourselves encounter. He is already greatly missed.

Janice Graham Baiden

January 24, 2014

My deepest sympathy to all his loved ones. I know I speak for countless people whose lives he touched in saying that he provided guidance which was firm, challenging and incredibly kind. He is truly one of the most amazing men I've ever known.

Nancy Gomberg Chodoroff

January 24, 2014

To the Groeling Family,

It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Dr. Groeling. He made music come alive for me and encouraged every effort in that pursuit with humor, dignity, excellence, and professionalism. There are too many wonderful memories to recount, but suffice it to say that he will always maintain a special place in my heart. It gave me great pleasure to know that my son had the privilege of meeting Dr. Groeling last year as a member of Phi Beta Mu--the circle was complete! In fact, it was my son who called with the sad news from the IMEA conference in Peoria today when he didn't see Dr. Groeling at the head table at the luncheon. We will miss him.

Fondly,
Nancy Gomberg Chodoroff

David Dubin

January 23, 2014

Dear Carol, Barb, Kathy and Richie,

I am so sorry to hear the loss of your father. I remember the first time I met him during the summer band rehearsal in 1973. I dont have to tell you that my years at Niles West would have been lost if it were not for his guidance, inspiration, teaching, friendship ( and yelling !). I still play today and get much enjoyment thanks to Dr. G.
On our first band trip to NYC ( by train), i was sick as a dog, but he watched over me and kept my spirts high by kidding around. There really is to much to say and remember, at this point, but I would like to share these antidotes later with you.

But most of all, my heart goes out to all of you, his family, as when the dust clears, thats all we really have. So, I wish you all the best,

May his memory be for a blessing,

all my love,

David Dubin

Steve Magnone

January 22, 2014

So Very Sorry to hear this news today.
My deepest Condolences to Carol and the Family. Charles will certainly be missed by so many. He was a wonderful Man.

Carol (Krause) Boysen

January 22, 2014

I recently took up music again after a 25 year hiatus. I will never forget all that Dr. Groeling taught me at Niles West, and all the fun and great music our band made. These are among my fondest memories. The passion that Dr. Groeling had for music inspired so many and is evidence of his lasting legacy on his students. May he rest in peace and my condolences to the family.

Mark Lindeblad

January 22, 2014

Band directors do so much good in the world and Dr. Groeling was a classic example. He was a good example for me learning from him to always greet people with enthusiasm, especially students, and always persevere. God bless Charles and Carol and all the family.

Ivan H, Smalley jr.

January 22, 2014

Carry on with the Music of the Universe ! ! !

Karen Mitchener (bass clarinet)

January 22, 2014

The clarinet choir will never be the same. I miss you already, Sir Charles!! My heart goes out to the family. The angel band just got a great conductor..!!!

Terri Kimura

January 21, 2014

To this day, music is a part of my life. Groeling and band bring back many memories. Sure, he "growled" but he pushed me to do my best. I'm not sure he was even aware of how many of us were inspired by him. As a retired teacher, I often think of the teachers who were influential and Groeling is on that short list. Thank you Charles! My deepest sympathy to the family.

Steven Maloney

January 21, 2014

He was a kind man in a cruel business. I knew him only too briefly, yet he did everything he could to help me, including the best recommendation letter of my life. God bless you and your family, dear Charles.

h k

January 21, 2014

I was thinking of asking Dr. Groeling if he knew of playing opportunities near downtown so I did a search to see if I could find contact info.
And here I am....
It would be hard to explain adequately how much of an influence he was on my life.
Howard K
Niles West class of '81

Don Golden

January 21, 2014

My condolences to the entire Groeling family. Charles was my supervising teacher when I student taught at Niles West. Interestingly enough Both Katherine and Richard were in the band at the time. I can relate to this having had my own father, Maury Golden as my band director in high school. In fact he and my dad were good friends too; it was always wonderful to hear him tell stories about what they did together. I will not forget the great times we had including band trips to Cleveland Heights and Ball State. We also played in the Northshore Concert Band together. Unknown to many we shared a common interest in model railroading of which he was quite fond, and I truly enjoyed the trips we made to railroading shows. Charles was truly a “mensch” (a perfect gentleman) as we say in Yiddish, and he was a good friend and I will miss him.

Frederick Johnson

January 21, 2014

Great guy. I'm blessed to have worked with such a great educator, and musician. He will truly be missed.
Frederick Johnson (euphonium)

Ron Schur

January 21, 2014

Dr Growling was my music teacher all through high school! He inspired me and many others to keep music in us. I had the chance a few years ago to see him and talk. He will missed! My condolences to his family!

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