LIMA — Harry A. Grothjan, 90, died at 8:25 PM on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at his residence in Lima, Ohio.
Harry was born on Friday, August 12, 1927, in Celina, to the late Jerome and Adelaide (Kenney) Grothjan. On Saturday, June 9, 1951, in Saint Mary's, he married Emily Jane Nelson, the love of his life, who survives in Lima.
Harry was a retired Navy Veteran and served in WWII. He retired as an independent sales person from ICM Distributors. He was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church, Eagles Aerie #370, Elks BPOE #54 and Tamarac Golf Course. Harry volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry.
He is survived by his children, Stephen Grothjan, Tulsa, OK, Karen (Eric) Hower, Lima, James (Stephanie) Grothjan, Cincinnati, Janice (John) Lause, Lima, Robert Grothjan, Lima, Nancy (Chris) Sternad, Cleveland; grandchildren, Jason, Kirsten (Kurtis), Kayle, Stephen, Sarah, Evan, Brooke, Nickolas, Kyli, Bridget, (Rockland), Bobby (Dannielle), Natalie and Hannah; great grandchildren; Kaleb, Kadyn, Khloe, Dominic, Sophia, Maddox, Greyson, Katelynn, Bobby, Joshua, Blake and Adalin.
He was preceded in death by: great granddaughter, Nadia McDonald; sister, Margaret Smalley; brothers, James and John Grothjan.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 PM and from 6 to 8 PM on Sunday, October 22, 2017 at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home in Lima, Ohio. A Parish Wake will be held at 4 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 AM on Monday, October 23, 2017 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Lima, Ohio. Father Chris Jesudhason SAC will officiate. Entombment will be in Gethsemani Mausoleum, Lima, Ohio. Military graveside honors will be conducted by VFW Post #1275.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 740 Commerce Drive, Suite B, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 or St. Rita's Hospice, 959 W. North St., Lima, Ohio 45805.
Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Doug Wise
October 25, 2017
Harry was a great joke and story teller, one of the few that could make my mother laugh. We couldnt ask for better extra sets of parents, as many people today are lucky to have one set. Harry and Emily raised great children, all with a splendid work ethic, and personalities to match. The rosary on the camper awning was always a good addition, as the Lord mustve thought he was praying for rain. And, God seemed to answer all of Harrys prayers. It was truly an honor to know him, and a joy to be around him. He was welcomed into heaven by our other camping buddies who preceded him, and, hes telling my mom jokes again. We were lucky to have known him and I will have fond memories as long as Im around.
Bess Cable
October 23, 2017
Dear Grothjan Family, I am very sorry to learn of Harry's passing. Son Jim and I are good friends and may I say the children were raised right. Thank you for your service in The Great War, Mr. Grothjan. I am thankful that you were able to come home and bring joy to all who surrounded you for many years. God will make sure that the Pearly Gates are open for those who give so much of themselves to others here on Earth. My deepest sympathies to all of you at this time.
Happy Times with Friends - Emily's 80th
Tom Wise
October 21, 2017
Grothjan Family - So sorry to know that Mr. Grothjan (Harry) passed. It was always evident that the most important thing in life to him was his family, being a loving husband, dad, grandfather, friend and good person. He loves each of you dearly and was so, so proud of all of you. I've been honored to be part of the extended family for nearly 50 years and feel for you all. I last saw your mom and dad just before his 90th. I knew he'd make it as he was tougher than most and that wit. It's hard because we always want more time. He's on to his sweet reward and with God now. Hopefully on the golf course right now. Love, Tom
October 21, 2017
To the Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
NANCY BAILEY
October 21, 2017
Jan, I am so sorry about your Dad. My condolences to your Mom and the rest of your family too. I will remember him and you in my prayers.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more