May 19, 1933 – September 4, 2022
Norbert A. Groppe, Sr., fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Catholic Church, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2022 at home with family by his side. He is survived by his son Stephen N. (Mary Love) Groppe of Chesterfield, MO, daughter Sharon M. (Jon) Smith of O’Fallon, MO, daughter Linda D. (Jonathan) Sheridan of New Glarus, WI, son Norbert A. (Diane) Groppe, Jr. of Washington, MO, and daughter Mary M. Groppe Walker of St. Louis, MO; seventeen grandchildren and two great grandchildren; sisters Rose Marie Groppe, CSJ of St. Louis, MO, and Elizabeth A. (Groppe) Henson of Loveland, CO, brother-in-law Michael Krodel of Edmond, OK, and sister-in-law Emily Dugo of Warminster, PA.
Preceding him in death are his wife of 61 years Martha D. Groppe (nee’ Krodel), son Joseph Groppe, parents August K. and Teresa J. (Held) Groppe, father-in-law Wendolin and mother-in-law Mary (Wagner) Krodel, and sister-in-law Susan M. Sullivan.
After graduating De Andreis High School in St. Louis, MO, Norbert attended the University of Missouri – Rolla, completing the ROTC training program and receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, he served as a commissioned officer, then began his 35-year career with the City of Saint Louis. He became a registered professional engineer in the state of Missouri, and during his career served as Cub Engineer, Project Engineer, Chief Engineer and President of the Board of Public Service. Norbert was a respected member of the Saint Louis Ambassadors, The Engineers’ Club of St. Louis, and the Circle Club. He loved golfing, small mouth bass fishing, Cardinals baseball, Mizzou football, listening to music – notably Andrea Bocelli, and spending time with family and friends. As a dedicated parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Norbert played slow pitch softball and served in the Men’s Club and on the Parish Picnic Board.
Services: Visitation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (4092 Blow St., 63116) on Saturday, September 10, 9:00 AM until funeral mass at 10:00 AM. Intermittent Resurrection Cemetery. In memory of Norbert A. Groppe, Sr., please make donations to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Please share prayers, condolences and memories with the family at (add link)
My dear brother, I will miss you so much. Although for these many years we have lived miles apart, we always remained close staying in touch and visiting when possible. You were a mentor to me on many occasions offering solid advice with love and understanding. When you talked golf with so much enthusiasm, I listened but hardly understood the lingo. I have many fond memories of our family fishing trips in our youth, going to the Huzzah River, always enjoying you and Dad’s excitement catching those trophy bass. Your wonderful marriage of 61 years was a true blessing. As you and Marty had your family of five children, Ray and I also had our family of five children. You beat us in the number of grandkids-17 for you, 12 for us but we win with 13 great grands. Norb, I love you. Rest in Peace, you’ve earned it.
Sharon, Jon & family,
Your father, father-in-law & grandpa sounds like a pretty intelligent and remarkable man, with an incredible career and beautiful loving wife & family, quite a blessed & loving life your Dad & Mom shared ❤️ You’ve all been in our hearts & prayers have been w/you through this difficult time. May the love of you parents hold you all together through all that is ahead! We’re sure your parents are smiling down on you w/pride Sharon, for the loving care & devotion you gave of yourself, (for both of your parents, take pride in that ❤️ We are blessed to call you & your beautiful family, longtime friends that our faith brought together! You know how to reach us for any help/support you may need! May you find peace & comfort knowing your parents are together again
I wish to extend my sincere condolences for the loss of your father. I worked for him for over twenty years with the City of St Louis. He hired me in May 1973 immediately after I graduated from the University of Missouri at Rolla with a BSCE. When I had my interview with him I walked into his office and saw this distinguished man who made me think I was meeting Captain VonTrapp from the Sound of Music. That is meant as a real complement as Mr Groppe looked like a true confident professional who looked like he was in full control of everything around him like the Captain.
He gave me great opportunities at work with the interesting and challenging projects. When he was appointed as the President of the Board of Public Service in 1984, he promoted me into his old position as Chief Engineer for the Construction Division.
He showed great support for me for all the time I worked for him. He was a true professional and a great manager of people and projects.
Throughout my career he was always clear about his expectations and would not hesitate to let me know if I was not meeting them. That kept me on my toes all of the time. That helped helped me to stay focused and strive for perfection at all times.
I appreciate very much to have had the opportunity to work for him all those years. I had the utmost respect for him. I did address him as Mr Groppe always because of the respect I have for him, even though he told me to call him Norb. That just didn’t seem right to me.
He was wonderful man and I am thankful for being able to work for him and to get to know him.
I’m so sorry to hear of Uncle Norbert’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all the Groppe’s and their families. We were actually planning a road trip this summer and he was on our list to visit. I’m sad we won’t be able to see him.
Rest In Peace Uncle Norbert.
Love to all,
We are very sorry to hear about Norbert. We are very sorry for your loss.
With heartfelt condolences.
Roswitha und Günter Heinemann
(daughter and son in law from Elisabeth ans Johann Held)