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BORN
1925
DIED
2019
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W. Groesch Obituary
Springfield, IL—W. Lorene "Abe" Groesch, 93, of Springfield died Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. She was born March 14, 1925 in Molino, MO to Oliver and Jewell (Key) Abell. She was the fifth of six children raised on a farm in rural Missouri. Throughout her life, she talked about the happy times on the farm with her parents, brothers, and sisters.
Following high school, Lorene was accepted into the U.S. Cadet Nurses Corps. She graduated as a registered nurse from St. John's Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. It was there that she was nicknamed Abe, short for Abell. Although it was her duty to deploy overseas as part of the Corps, WWII ended, so she remained in Springfield and worked as a nurse at St. John's Hospital. It was in the emergency room that she met Lubert (Luby) Groesch, who had brought his nephew in for stiches. She and Luby were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1947.
She worked as a nurse throughout her life and was co-founder of the Nurses Central Registry that provided private-duty nursing services to critically ill patients in their home. Lorene was active in many nurses' organizations, especially the St. John's Nursing Alumni Association. She was a long-time member of St. Agnes Church and volunteered for many committees as an active participant in the parish. Lorene was beloved by family and friends. Her caring, fun-loving nature and genuine personality made people feel drawn to her. When those she knew were ill or in need of a friend, she was always there to help and lend her support. It was her quick wit and laughter that brightened and changed the lives of those around her.
She is survived by her daughter, Carole (Jack) Jones of Moscow, ID and son, Glenn (Anne) Groesch of Springfield; grandchildren, Brett Jones of Portland, OR, Jay Jones of Moscow, ID, Reed Groesch of Springfield, and Michael Groesch of Springfield; great-grandchildren, Oscar of Portland, OR, Jewel and Jack both of Moscow, ID; sister, Dorothy; sisters-in-law, Rita (Renato) Favero and Sunny (John W.) Owensby. Numerous nieces and nephews are included in her large extended family.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Luby, and sons, Gregory and Gary. Also preceding her in death were her siblings CJ, Bernice, Kenneth, and Maxine.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos Ave in Springfield from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the mass celebrating her life at 11 a.m. In addition, a celebration of life will be held in Moscow, ID in the spring. The family of Lorene would like to thank the administration and staff of Lewis Memorial Christian Village for their love, respect, and care of their mother over the last two years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church or Lewis Memorial Christian Village.
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Memories and Condolences
for W. Groesch
Sponsored by Staab Funeral Home - Springfield.
michael egan
March 5, 2019
I'm sorry I missed the news of Abe's passing; she was such a wonderful person, a living example to me of what it means to be a good person. My early memories of Abe began when my mom (Gertie Egan) began talking about her after she had the tragic accident and lost her baby, followed by a long recuperation. Gary was a year behind me at Griffin and we ran together on track and cross country but most of my visits with Abe came from the 1980s on when Kathy (my wife) and I lived in their neighborhood. She was always so kind, so upbeat, and she always had time to visit. I remember one time we were talking with her in their front yard, she was raking up the infamous "gumballs"; at one point she shrugged and laughed and said, "I just rake them up!" such a simple comment yet it seemed to be a part of her approach toward life that I have thought about many times when faced with a challenge: just deal with it like Abe did with the gumballs.
Our times at Presbyterian Home were full of laughter and stories, at first with my dad (Joe Egan) until he passed. Abe talked often of her childhood, the horses, her parents and siblings, along with her love for Luby. We sang alot there. My heart goes out to both of you Carol and Glenn and your families.
I will not forget her.
Michael Egan
Jeri Taylor
February 11, 2019
Abe was a true friend in every sense of the word to our mother, but she was so much more - I will never forget her contagious laughter that could lift your spirit no matter what your mood! But, even more was her caring and sensitive nature when you needed someone to listen - her love of God gave her undeniable strength during her most difficult of times. Joy and Peace to Glenn, Carole and their families.
February 6, 2019
I am very sorry for your loss.
Barbara Smith
February 4, 2019
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. What a special lady she was. I always enjoyed seeing Mrs. Groesch at St Agnes. She was in Nursing School with my Aunt, Marcella O'Donnell Giles. Also Abe was a great friend to my Aunt Margaret O'Donnell.
Susy Kauling Woods
February 3, 2019
Carole I was so sorry to hear of your moms drsth. But what a grestc life she had and how many lives she touched! Prayers and peace to your family. Susy Kauling Woods
Marcus
February 2, 2019
My deepest condolences are with the family and friends during this difficult time. May the comfort from our loving God bring peace and warmth. Continue to cherish the wonderful memories.
(Jeremiah 29:11,12 Thessalonians 2:16,17.)
February 2, 2019
Carole and Glenn sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was my mom's best friend.
Vikki Nicholson
February 1, 2019
A registered nurse, my mother's best friend, and a woman who was both fun to be around and the first person you would want to go to for a heart to heart talk. Abe was our go-to friend for many years. Our loss is heaven's gain. Condolences to Carol, Glenn and family.
Eleanor Cavanagh
February 1, 2019
It was always a pleasure to see Abe. She shared her ashes with me one Ash Wednesday morning outside D J's Cafe. We both laughed.
Eleanor Cavanagh
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