Arlin Grobengieser (90) of St. Elmo

Arlin Edwin Grobengieser, 90, of St. Elmo, passed away at 8:27 a.m., Monday, December 18, 2023 at Aperion Care, St. Elmo.

He was born in his parent’s home near Altamont to Edwin & Alma (Ferchow) Grobengieser. Arlin’s mother died before he turned three years old. His Aunt Amanda & Aunt Lydia, his dad’s sisters moved in with them and were as a mother to him and his brother and sister. He was baptized & confirmed in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church ELCA. He attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School for 6 years where he learned German & English. He then attended Martin Box School for his 7th & 8th Grade years. He graduated from St. Elmo High School with the Class of 1952. Arlin served in the US Army from 1953-1955. He received his Basic Training at Camp Polk, Louisiana, then served 18 months in Karlsruhe, Germany. He went to Germany on the ship USNS General Maurice Rose (TAP126). After his 2 years served in the Army, he had to remain in the Army Reserves for 6 more years. Arlin married Lillian Lorraine Wolff on April 10, 1955 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Pastor Riedel officiating. Arlin joined Bethlehem in 1962 so they could send their children to a Parochial School.

They were blessed with four children, Gary (Kathy) Grobengieser, Bob Grobengieser, Eric (Barbara) Grobengieser, and Sherri (Joe) Strullmyer. They have nine grandchildren, Amy (Jason) Rippetoe, Anthony (Jessica) Grobengieser, Adam (Jenny) Grobengieser, Aaron (Patricia) Grobengieser, Luke (Amanda) Grobengieser, Rachel Grobengieser, Shaine (Ellen) Strullmyer, Klaiton Strullmyer, Serena (Matthew) Buchanan. They have 16 Great Grandchildren, Dakota Kuhlman, Ezekiel & Riley Jo Rippetoe, Ryanne, Henry & Reid Grobengieser, Hunter, Chad & Eileen Grobengieser, Hadley, Chase & Kaylee Grobengieser, James & Logan Grobengieser, and Theodore & Madison Strullmyer.

Arlin and Lillian were farmers. Arlin also worked at Grobengieser Sons and later they were taken over by Bill Winterrowd for 17 years. Arlin retired from Crossroads Press after 25 years and then still farmed for several years.

In addition to his wife, Lillian, Arlin is survived by one sister-in-law, Bernice Graumenz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin & Alma Grobengieser, one brother Kenneth Grobengieser, Sister Irene Smith, Brother-in-law Warren Smith, Paul & Orville Wolff, sister-in-law Lorraine Wolff, and niece Linda Smith.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, rural Altamont with Rev. Marcus Manley officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery with military rites by Gieseking-Schwerdtfeger VFW Post #7676, Altamont. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont and for one hour prior to service time at the church. Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church Steeple Fund, Altamont VFW Post #7676 or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.