Robert N. Groninger

Robert North Groninger, 77 Plainwell, Michigan Passed away at his home in Plainwell on July 26, 2008. He was born February 15, 1931 in Huntington, WV the third and youngest son of Florence and Carl Groninger. Bob was an owner of Indusco Supply Co. in Kalamazoo, MI for 25 years. He retired as President in 1993 and his recent years were spent "managing" his golf game where he walked the 18 holes at Lake Doster Golf Club almost daily until his recent diagnosis. Due to his father's position with the railroad, Bobby relocated numerous times, so he developed his generous and outgoing personality at a young age. His high school years were spent in Chicago, and there his competitiveness and athleticism shone on the Hirsch High School football field. Named the 1949 All-City top running back, Bob was the leading scorer on his team. This led to an athletic scholarship at the University of Arizona where he played two years before leaving to serve his country in the Army. After a chance meeting on the beach in Chicago, he married Donna Dobrinska in Phlox, WI on February 12, 1966 and began the proudest chapter of his life. Nothing was more important than family and Bob's greatest joys in life involved his girls, of course, all the better if those joys combined golf or skiing. Many family hours were spent banging around Lake Doster Golf Course and cruising the mountain in Steamboat Springs, CO. Here Bob could share his love of competition and sports with his family. His encouragement and pride in the accomplishments of his wife, daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren were boundless. He had already begun to start golf lessons and ski tips with his grandchildren. Bob is survived by his wife and two daughters; Regan Glenn Paluch and Carlen Morgan Hooker; and grandchildren, Zach and Henry Paluch, Greer and Lawsen Hooker. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, C. Richard and William. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Otsego, MI on Saturday August 9th at 11:00 AM. Then a memorial brunch celebration will be held at Lake Doster Golf Club on Sunday August 10th. We offer our profound thanks to his many neighbors and friends during this, the most difficult stage of his life and we thank you for the testament of what his life and friendship meant to all of you. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. 343-1508 In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to St. Margaret's Building Fund, 245 Court St., Otsego, MI 49078 or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 or the charity of your choice.