Robert Groskreutz

Robert "Bob" Groskreutz, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at the St. Cloud Hospital. A funeral service for Bob will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Visitation will be at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 PM and also at the church, one hour prior to the service. 

Bob was born on February 8, 1943 to Raymond and Helen (Yerks) Groskreutz in Litchfield, MN. He graduated from Litchfield High School in 1961, after which he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. 

During his time in the service, he met Arlene Alsleben, a nurse at his local doctor’s office. He became quite smitten with her kindness and care. Bob and Arlene were married on May 5, 1967 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glencoe, MN and were blessed with four children.

Bob was a lifetime member of the VFW and a past commander. He was also a member of the American Legion. Notably, Bob was the 1st Vietnam vet to join the VFW in Litchfield. He was on the Litchfield City Council for 12 years. He was in the Men's Club and served on the Church Council and later as Church President at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Litchfield. He was a career plumber and longtime proprietor of B&G Plumbing & Heating.

Bob loved golf, bowling, dancing with his wife, and fishing and camping trips with his young family. He was a fierce pitcher on Sterner’s fastpitch softball team and had a killer curveball. He also enjoyed playing on his Army softball team. While his sons were growing up he spent many years coaching their Babe Ruth and VFW baseball teams.

More than anything, Bob loved his grandchildren and enjoyed cheering them on at their various sporting events. You could always see (and hear) Bob in the front row at all of their games and activities. 

When he wasn’t watching the grandkids, he could be found voicing his displeasure at the TV while watching Minnesota Sports teams. He also enjoyed creating woodworking projects for his family, listening to old country music, or more often than anything, lending a hand to those who needed it. 

Bob felt he was blessed with his “second life” when Arlene saved him in 2002 by performing CPR until the Litchfield Rescue Squad arrived, following a massive heart attack. He surpassed the odds by surviving fourteen heart attacks which allowed him to be able to watch his grandkids grow up.

Bob is survived by his wife Arlene Groskreutz; children Steven Groskreutz, Stanton (Mary) Groskreutz, Stuart (Sarah) Groskreutz, Stefany Groskreutz and honorary son Bob (Shannon) Dibb; grandchildren Ryan Groskreutz, Taylor Draeger, Alex Draeger, Joshua Groskreutz, Allison Groskreutz and Griffin Butler; siblings Donna Gilsrud, Darlene Carlson & sister-in-law Darlene Groskreutz; uncle Les (Judith) Yerks; many nieces and nephews; and his loving dogs, Teddy and Pumpkin.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Helen; siblings Shirley (Roger) Ellis, Raymond Groskreutz Jr, and Richard (Judy) Groskreutz. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Litchfield Rescue Squad or the charity of your choosing are appreciated.