Robert Albert Grote

Robert Albert Grote, 74, a resident of Cape Coral, FL since 2015, formerly of Germany, passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2022, in Cape Coral. He was born August 10, 1948, in Evansville, IN to William and Virginia Grote, now deceased.

Robert was of the Christian faith. He was an avid lover of all things related to history, planes, trains, automobiles, astronomy, and music. He gave 43 years of his life to service and country. 23 of those years were spent serving in the US Army where he retired as a SSGT in 1991 and another 20 serving the government as a civilian oversees as a GS-6. He met his wife then, Christa Woher, in 1969 on base in Neu-Ulm Germany; the same place they would return for his last tour of duty and retire in 1991. Bob was a well-traveled and well-read individual. Family and friends would often get lost in conversations with him because he talked way over their heads. His family will best remember him as Bobby, Bob, Pops, Dad, Grandpa Poo and Papa.

Bob’s Mom: One particular memory of my son – when he received his draft notice, he tossed it in the waste can. And when he was being processed in Denver, he called to say he was signing up for 2 years! I thought he’d gone off the deep end! He “RETIRED” from the “Army”.  We were so proud of him.

Rest in peace my son.  Love, Mama

Younger sister Diane: Been thinking about what I could say about life with Bobby. It occurred to me that he has been the most constant person in my life. He was there when I was born. Was with me when Virginia died and Daddy had to take us to Evansville to live with our aunt and uncle and grandmother. Daddy had just begun a new job in Memphis, so he was not around. It was Bobby who was with me. Then we went back to live in Memphis, together. Till he went in the service and overseas, my big brother was a staple in my life. Never realized just how much. When I think of Bob, we’re kids again, even though we’re both grandparents!

But this is how I will remember my big brother- forever young. 

Youngest sister Debbie: What first comes to my mind was his love of music (practicing his electric guitar for hours in his bedroom and listening to his Ventures records). Also, he spent a lot of time in the garage building his model airplanes (and getting away from us younger sisters!).  

Kevin (youngest son): My favorite memory of Dad is from 2020. When him Jordan and I sat on the terrace drinking Jameson whiskey. 3 generations sharing a drink together. Pretty much anytime I sat with dad talking about God and the world.

Jolie (Granddaughter):  I remember visiting Papa in Germany when I was about 8 years old and waking up before everyone else. I went upstairs and Papa made me a bowl of frosted flakes and we just hung out together until everyone woke up.

Joden (Grandson): I remember pretending to listen to Papa talk about things I didn’t understand. I wish I would have paid more attention.

Dana (Granddaughter): Dana’s favorite memory was when we went with Dad to Universal Studios Harry Potter experience.

Kennith Hawkins (Army): He was such a positive force during my early career and was the reason for me continuing.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Christa Grote of Geislingen, Germany; mom, Patsy Army of Broomfield, CO; children, Marc Grote (Kat) of NC, Kevin Grote of Siegburg, Germany, and Darya Shadle-Grote (Sherry) of Cape Coral; sisters, Diane Shell of Wilcox, AZ, and Debbie Grote of Broomfield, CO; as well as grandchildren, Jordan Conrad, Morgan Russell, Jolie Thomas-Grote, Kendall Russell, Joden Thomas-Grote, Dana Leo-Grote, Kate-Lynn Grote, Emma Grote, and Sy Grote-Whittington.

A Graveside service will be held at 12:30 PM on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Sarasota National, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241 with military honors presented.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.