Roger Grottke

A livestream of Roger's Memorial and Graveside Service with Military Honors can be viewed in the box below this obituary beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023.

Roger Bernard Grottke, age 88, of Neillsville, WI, died Friday, November 3, 2023, at his home. He was born October 1, 1935, the son of Bernard and Bertha Grottke. He married Linda Suckow August 1, 1959, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Roger and Linda celebrated 64 wonderful years together.

Roger was baptized and graduated from St. John's of Neillsville. He was a life-long member of the church. He attended Neillsville High School graduating in 1954.

He worked various jobs in the Neillsville area as well as Marshfield and Rockford, IL. While in Rockford, a factory layoff brought him back to Neillsville, and he began working at the Suckow Feed Mill with Glenn, his brother-in-law. He enjoyed the family operation of grinding feed, trucking and especially making maple syrup in the spring.

He served in the Army National Guard. During the Berlin Crisis, the 32nd Division was activated and he spent a year at Fort Lewis, Washington.

The small farm on Cardinal Avenue was home. The farm was where his sons were raised. A place where the family worked together. The family introduced him to the joy of 4-H, fair projects and coaching softball. He loved fieldwork and the joy of watching the crops grow. Roger and his partner, Linda were proud of their black angus herd of cattle.

Roger will be missed by his family. He is survived by his wife, Linda, son, David (Cathy) Grottke of Neillsville, grandchildren, Robert (Sami) Grottke of Chippewa Falls, WI, Amber (Chris) Zachow of Tomah, WI, Matthew Grottke of Forest Lake, MN, and Eric Grottke of New Holstein, WI, very special great grandchildren, a sister, Carol Johnson of Humbird, WI, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Robert Grottke a sister, Jean Metcalf Cecil, and his special four-legged faithful companion, Duke.

Truly a life well-lived, working hard and enjoying good times with family and friends were top priority. Morning coffee with the crew was the way to start the day. He had a passion for hunting and fishing and telling stories about his many adventures. Attending school and sporting events of his sons and grandchildren were important special times. Chaperoning FFA trips to the boundary waters created many special memories. Next to the farm, Hatfield and the cabin always filled his heart with happiness.

A Memorial Service for Roger will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 10, 2023 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Pastor Timothy Biebert will officiate. Judy Trunkel will be the organist. Interment will be in the Town of Grant Cemetery, with Military Honors performed by the Neillsville Veteran's Council. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 10th at the church.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Roger's family with funeral arrangements.