Fred Arend ‘Grove’ Grover


Fred Arend Grover, affectionately known by his friends as “Grove” and by his grandchildren as “Grumpa,” passed away Jan. 6, 2011.

He was born Aug. 16, 1934, in Grosse Point, Mich.

He began his career working with outboard motors at West Bend Aluminum Co. He was a member of the Hartford Lions as Tail Twister and President of the Hartford Jaycees.

Always there to lend a hand, he judged projects by the number of beers required for completion. Aviation was a passion of his and he was secretly disappointed when his kids couldn’t name the type of plane flying overhead by sound. He was an avid reader and knew more about World War I and World War II than any history professor could have wanted to. He was a longtime member of the NRA, not only because he enjoyed the firepower, but also because he despised commies, socialists and bleeding heart liberals. Political correctness was not his strength.

A real patriot, he felt it necessary to fire off a canon on the Fourth of July each year on Pike Lake, eventually getting the gunpowder amount correct.

At cribbage, he could win or lose as he pleased as he was a master at cheating. “Get ugly early,” “Take no prisoners,” “Shoot first, ask questions later” and “I put up with this stuff all the time,” are some of the Fredisms that we will remember him for. If he did answer the phone, he never said hello, instead you were greeted with “Grove here.” And as tough as the old gunfighter was, he had a soft spot for his grandchildren, even though he would scrunch up his face every time they gave him a kiss.

If you were not fortunate enough to know him, watch “Grand Torino.” Clint Eastwood’s character was Fred.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley (Ziorgen); five children, Michael (Chris Madsen), Patricia Mueller (Craig), Kellie Knowles (Clay), Sherri Klump (Ron) and Kathy Proebsting (John); eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his brother, David; and sister, Virginia Flanagan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Grace (Steveling) Grover; and his brothers, Norman and James.

Funeral service for Fred will be held at Shimon Funeral Home Friday, Jan. 14, at 5 p.m. Visitation will be from 3 p.m to 5 p.m.

Shimon Funeral Home is serving the family. www.shimonfuneralhome.com.