Joseph (Joe) V. Groshek

Joe passed away peacefully at the age of 82 surrounded by his family on February 7, 2024.  He was the loving husband and best friend of Sue (Armstrong) for over 62 years.  He was the proud father of Margie Bauer, Joe Groshek, Michele Kirby, and Rick (Kerri) Groshek.  Cherished grandfather of Adam (Shandra) Bauer, Jake (Lauren) Bauer and Ty (Brenna) Bauer; Alexandra Groshek and Trevor DeRosia; Andy Ellingson and Mitchell Ellingson; Jack Groshek, Nick Groshek, and Maddie Groshek.  He was especially loved by his great-grandchildren:  Brynn, Ethan and Silas Bauer; Ellarose and Beckham Bauer; Noah Bauer, and Skyler, Kenadie, Maverick, and Rylan DeRosia.  Joe is survived by his sisters Joyce Bembenek and Natalie (Wayne) Staley and his brothers Fred (Elaine) Groshek, George (Barbara) Groshek and Cliff (Bonnie) Groshek; sisters-in law Carol Groshek, Betty Groshek, Helen Groshek, Virginia Groshek, Jeanne Groshek, and Mary Armstrong.  He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Regina (Stroik) Groshek, son-in-law Steve Bauer, brothers Leroy, Ralph, Ronald, Norbert, Dennis, and Mark Groshek, brothers-in-law Wally Bembenek and John Armstrong, and in-laws Margaret and Bernard Meverden.

Dad was born on April 5, 1941.  He was the sixth of 12 children.  Dad told us that he was born at home on a dairy farm in Galloway, WI, with the help of Dr. Ben.  (We recently learned that Dr. Ben was also the surgeon and town veterinarian.)  In 1961, Dad married his high school sweetheart, Sue, and they began their life together in Milwaukee raising four children.

After graduation, Dad moved to Milwaukee and was hired by Allen Bradley (Rockwell Industries) in 1959 where he worked as a machine repairman for over 39 years.  He was extremely proud of his work.  To his children, there was nothing he couldn’t fix.  When something didn’t work, they all went to Dad.  His grandchildren often called him for advice on how to fix something.  If he couldn’t answer over the phone, he traveled to their homes.  After retirement, he took college courses to learn how to repair antique clocks.  He truly enjoyed the challenge of this hobby.

Dad was a lifelong learner.  He took many college courses to learn how to repair various items in our home.  At last count, we found over 20 certificates from the local technical college. Dad taught us that we could save money if we fixed things ourselves.  Michele and Rick certainly have the “fix-it” gene from Dad.  If anything breaks in their homes, they know just what to do to get it working again.  Margie has to call Rick and Michele, and Joey doesn’t need anything fixed (haha).  Dad’s nieces and nephews have commented that their Groshek dads also repaired items in the same way.  This phenomenon may be known as “the fix-it” gene.

Hunting, fishing, and watching sports were some of his favorite past-times.  His grandchildren have fond memories of Grandpa up at the family farm showing them how to hunt for deer, find a good fishing spot, and cheering on the Packers.  Grandpa also enjoyed traveling to the events of his grandchildren.  He enjoyed their wrestling meets, football games, plays, music recitals, graduations, etc. He certainly put a lot of miles on his car, and he always traveled with bleacher cushions and a cooler full of water bottles.

Dad was a faithful Catholic and attended mass regularly.  Dad and mom were charter members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in 1981.  Dad started the Usher’s Group and helped to establish the Seton Fun Fest.  He often used his vacation time to get the beer tent set up for the festival.

The visitation will be at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 12700 W Howard Avenue, New Berlin, on Friday, February 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 p.m.  Private burial will be at a later date.

The family would like to thank the Aurora Wound Care, Aurora Hospice, and especially Megan for their loving support and care.

Memorials appreciated to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

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