Paul L. Groeger

Paul L. Groeger, 83, of Greeley passed away August 2, 2010 at Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado. Paul was born October 12, 1926 to Adolph E. Groeger and Gertrude M. (Fehringer) Groeger at the family farmhouse in Peetz, CO. He graduated from Peetz High School May 1944. Soon after graduation from High School he was drafted into the US Army. He served in the Pacific Theater during WWII in Japan. While in Japan he developed a heart condition which led to a medical discharge. Paul attended college at Colorado State College in Greeley, now the University of Northern Colorado. He graduated with a degree in Industrial Arts and became a Science teacher—teaching in Eaton and Castle Rock. He met his future wife, Bernice A. Piedalue, while in college and they married shortly after his graduation, on August 20, 1949 at St. Peter Church, Greeley, CO. They were married for over 47 years. With a growing family, Paul decided to leave the teaching profession to become an Associate Engineer with Martin Marietta. He was a Parts Analyst, Senior Buyer, and Mechanical-Electrical Engineer Consultant, retiring after 30 years. Some of the projects he worked on included the Titan and Minuteman rockets, the Space Shuttle, the Viking-Mars Probe, and Sky-Lab. Due to ill health, Paul moved to Greeley to live with his son, Tony, in 1999. He resided in Greeley for 11 years and warmed the hearts of all who cared for him. His penchant for singing often found him serenading his caregivers. He was well known for his green thumb. Paul was a Master Gardner and responsible for developing the Denver & Chatfield Arboretum programs. He was instrumental in starting the popular Pumpkin Feast at the Chatfield Arboretum. He enjoyed Woodworking and Square Dancing. He was an avid choir member and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Paul’s legacy is his loyalty to his God, family, friends, and career, his love of life and inquisitive mind. He was a true Renaissance man. Paul is survived by his children, Lawrence Groeger of TX, Marilyn (Peter) Sherman of CA, Daniel (Paula) Groeger of Highlands Ranch, CO, Anthony (Pamela) Groeger of Greeley, Theodore Groeger, of Denver, CO, Marie (Martin) Neubert of Dolores, CO, Sylvia Groeger of Littleton, CO, Rene (Larry) Stoiber of Englewood, CO, Julia Groeger of Greeley, Andrew Groeger of Englewood; grandchildren, John and James Groeger, Danielle Groeger, Laura, Alyse and Michael Neubert, Sarah and Ameila Sherman, Paul and Larry Stoiber; sisters, Luella Stadig of Denver, Carolyn (Michael) Burke of WY; brothers-in-law, Don Hyde of NE, Joe Piedalue of AZ; sisters-in-law, Emily Groeger of Woodland Park, CO, Judy Groeger of ID, Margaret Dolby, Mary Frances Morton and Marie Piedalue of Greeley and Barbara (Ken) Morrill of AZ; and numerous nieces and nephews who dearly loved their uncle. He is preceded in death by his wife; and parents. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday August 5, 2010 followed by Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Adamson Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, August 6, 2010 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 6853 South Prince Street, Littleton, CO. Interment will be Monday, August 9, 2010 at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.