Robert George "Rab" Groll Obituary (1926

Robert George "Rab" Groll, 96, of Pana passed away peacefully on the evening of June 5, 2023 in his home. He was born in Pana on December 8, 1926 to the late Raymond & Celeste (Wittmann) Groll. He married Dorothy Hardy on June 27, 1956, and she survives in Pana, IL. After serving briefly in the U.S. Navy near the end of World War II, Rab attended the University of Illinois, earning an engineering degree and working as a civil engineer for the State of Illinois out of Effingham. In 1953, he became a partner in Roses Limited in Pana, which he managed until his retirement in 1992, providing wholesale roses to the floral industry. Rab was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pana Rotary Club, Pana Country Club, Pana Sportsman's Club and was a member of the Pana Savings & Loan. He was an avid Illini & Cubs fan. He enjoyed golfing, harness horse racing and was a multi-engine private pilot. He cheered on the Fighting Illini and Chicago Cubs. One would be hard pressed to find a kinder, more genuine person than Rab. He loved meeting and getting to know new people and was a friend to all. The only thing Rab enjoyed more than a good cigar or mowing the lawn was his family, including children Robert H., Mary, John, Tom (Mariaedith), David (Peggy), Stephen; grandchildren Karen, Karl, Anna, Ella, Madeleine and Sofieand great grandchildren Ryder & Reagan. His love for them is surpassed only by the love and admiration they have for him. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Schmidt, cousin Helen Einig Lynch (who grew up as a sister) and daughter-in-law Kay Metzger Groll. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 in St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Rodney Schwartz officiating. Burial will be in Rosemond Grove Cemetery, Rosamond. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time in the church. Memorials in lieu of flowers in Rab's honor may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pana Community Hospital Foundation for Quad County Hospice or ALS Association Arizona Chapter and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.