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Roger Grooters Obituary
Roger was born on April 11, 1944 in Melvin, Iowa to the late George and Leone Grooters. A long-time athlete, Roger was an avid runner and collegiate track coach. After earning a PhD in Educational Administration, he devoted his career to building student academic programs for athletes at several major universities including, Nebraska, Florida State, Michigan State, Southern Cal, LSU and Arizona. Roger retired from the university system in 2008 and lived at his home in Gulf Breeze, FL with his wife, Vicki.
Roger took his same work ethic and dedication into retirement and combined this with his passion for cycling. On September 10th, he began a journey to bike across America in hopes of raising awareness and financial support for the victims of the Gulf Coast oil spill. Although his journey was tragically cut short, his family plans to complete the ride in his memory.
His passion for cycling was only exceeded by the love for his family. Roger "Papa" is survived by his wife Vicki, his seven children, Kol, Lisa, Josh, Jon, Mark, Ben, Steve and 11 grandchildren. He was a beloved brother to Bev, Buck, Buzz, Lynne and Sue.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service following at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 11, 2010 at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, 75 Fairhope Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Roger's ride across America by visiting www.gbumc.org. Click on the red "Give Now" link. Fill out the form with "Oil Spill Response" in "other" category or mail a check payable to Gulf Breeze U.M.C. at the address above and note "Oil Spill Response" on the donation.
Arrangements entrusted to Rose Lawn Funeral Home of Gulf Breeze. You may offer condolences, share memories and sign the guestbook at www.roselawn-fh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Grooters
2 Entries
Brother Cyclist
October 13, 2010
Ride on Roger, you did a great thing.
Leslie Gordon
October 12, 2010
I got to know Roger and Vicki during our church trip to the Holy Land in Feb 2011. I learned they were a "blended" family, and I assumed they were newlyweds because they acted like newlyweds. I learned yesterday that they were married for 23 years. Roger was a kind man, not just nice, but truly kind. He was unassuming, and most humble. I will remember his heart. The love of his large family is a testament to his life and to his faith in God. Roger will be missed. May the day come soon when the hurt and pain Roger's family is feeling now will be replaced with the warm loving memories of him. He would want that for them. Love to the family, Leslie Gordon
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Rose Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
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