Robert “Bob” Samuel Grothe, age 74 of Collinsville, IL, born April 10, 1947, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 7, 2021, surrounded by his family, including his wife of 25 years, Lynette Sphar. Lynette was the love of his life and he was hers.
Bob was known for his beautiful, warm smile and his kindness. He never met a stranger and was always helping someone.
Bob was a lifelong resident of Collinsville, IL, and was the only son of Harry and Ethyl (Field) who preceded him in death in 1970 and 1973 respectively. His only first cousin, Jack Grothe, also preceded him in death. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lynette, of Collinsville, stepdaughter, Heather (Curt) Pollmann of Columbia, stepson-in-law, Roger Reeves Jr. of Maryville, and grandchildren, Hope Pollmann, Lawson Reeves, and Larkin Reeves. He is also survived by his cousin Tom (Vicki) Fischer and the wonderful Fischer families of Collinsville and Troy. In addition, he was the adoring father of two loving cats, Peaches and Duke.
During the Vietnam War, Bob was a mechanic in the Navy stationed in Pensacola, FL, working on helicopters. His attitude and personality proved to boost the morale of pilots and other servicemen heading to war, so officers worked to keep him on the base for the duration of his service.
As the founder and owner of Grothe Scrap Metal, Bob welcomed his drives back and forth to Florida as he could enjoy vacation while working. He found pleasure in driving the open road in his truck and made many friends along the way.
Bob enjoyed farmland and attending farm auctions. One of his favorite pastimes was swimming with Lynette at his farm in Greenville. As a child helping his Uncle Carl on the farm, including driving at 13 and horseback riding, he developed a love for tractors, heavy equipment, and horses.
Bob loved music, especially listening to the Eagles and the Moody Blues. He attended various concerts throughout his life like the Mississippi River Festival, a favorite memory, and liked to take short road trips with Lynette to see tribute bands. In addition, he loved to sing karaoke with his family and had a vast knowledge of artists, lyrics, and release dates. Bob was unstoppable on an open mic and could sing all night. His specialties were “Radio Ga Ga” by Queen and “Dirty Laundry” by Don Henley.
Bob was a big fan of Gunsmoke and all cowboy movies. So, as Roy Rogers sang, “Happy trails to you…until we meet again.”
A private graveside service and burial is planned at St. John Cemetery in Collinsville.
Memorials may be made in Bob’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project. Please make check payable to the organization and mail to the funeral home at 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com
