22 November 2016

Dave Grolle - from the RLG years


Grolle contributed to the best of RLG...RLG's heart. He was a big, upbeat, generous guy who engaged with everyone in an open, down to earth way.  We all cherish our memories of interacting with Dave, and mine are very funny and sweet. I remember an articulated wooden rabbit (like the image above), that we "dressed" in seasonally appropriate fabric ears...a gift from Grolle. RIP Dave.

David Frank Grolle

January 12, 1952 - November 5, 2016
http://www.spanglermortuary.com/obituaries/David-Grolle/#!/Obituary

Obituary for David Frank Grolle

Dave Grolle passed away quietly at the age of 64, finally succumbing to the progression of Parkinson's Disease which he had battled for over 15 years. The oldest of four sons, Dave was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan to parents Floyd and Barbara (Schumm) Grolle. His family relocated several times during his childhood, taking them to Kalamazoo, Michigan, New Jersey, Illinois, and finally to Los Altos in December, 1970.

In 1970, Dave graduated from Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, Illinois. He attended Northern Illinois University before moving with his family to California and transferring to Foothill College. He later graduated from San Jose State with a BA degree in Business. He worked in sales for many years for JC Penny, and later spent many years working at Stanford Medical Center in the Research Library Group, supporting and maintaining their computer system.

While Dave never married, his life was filled spending time with his many family members and interests. He was an avid golfer, frequently combining visits to see relatives with his passion for the game. He was a big fan of Stanford sports as well as the 49ers, attending decades of games at Candlestick and two Super Bowls. He had a lifelong interest in automobiles, and spent much of his time renovating classic cars. But Dave's hobbies always were put aside to provide volunteer help with a church project, or to be present at an extended family member's life event celebration, sporting event or recital. Dave traveled extensively in his "favorite Uncle" capacity and was often the only representative of the "California Grolles" at various Grolle or Schumm cousin events in Hawaii, Washington, Colorado and Ohio.

Dave is survived by his three younger brothers, Ken (Jay) of Mountain View, Tim (Lucy) of Sunnyvale, Fred (Margaret) of Sonora; five nieces (Erin, Dana, April, Lenore and Lizzie); three nephews (Matthew, Michael and Steven) and his "California" cousin Craig Anderson (Teri) along with their extended families. Dave was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mountain View since 1970, serving the congregation in a number of capacities and being a strong supporter of its Child Development Center. A memorial service and reception in his honor will be held there on Saturday morning, December 3rd at 11:00 AM, 1075 El Monte Avenue in Mountain View.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Child Development Center, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1075 El Monte Ave, Mountain View, CA 94040, or The Parkinson's Institute, 675 Almanor Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085.