Ervin Frank Grote

Ervin Frank Grote, age 68, returned to his heavenly home on April 21, 2015. Surrounded by his family, Erv peacefully transitioned into the arms of Jesus after courageously battling multiple illnesses for several years. Ervin Frank Grote was born on the family farm in St. Clement, Mo., on July 10, 1946, to Clement Joseph Grote and Regina Ann Eckelkamp Grote. Erv attended St. Clement Catholic School and graduated in 1965 from Bowling Green High School. He was a lifelong member of the St. Clement Catholic Church. His two main priorities in life were his faith and his family. On June 19, 1970, Erv married Judith Kay Gollaher at St. Clement Catholic Church. They would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this year. Erv and Judy are the proud parents of five children: Julie Lynn Grote Huber, Bowling Green; Tyson Lee Grote (deceased); Kara Beth Grote Picker (Chris), Wentzville; Brandon Clement Grote (Tera), Bowling Green; and Jared James Grote (Neha), O’Fallon. Bringing abundant joy to the family was the addition of grandchildren: Kaitlyn Marie Huber and fiancé Shawn Pezold, Allyson Rose Huber and Seth Michael Huber; Addison Jane Picker, Ella Annagrace Picker and Lilah Judith Picker; Caleb Clement Grote, Dillon Joseph Grote and Elise Marie Grote; and Annabelle Claire Grote and Logan James Grote. Erv’s strong work ethic began as a young boy helping on the family farm. He always loved farming and the hard work that went with it. Erv was a skilled and driven basketball player all four years at BGHS. After he and Judy were married, they lived in Bowling Green for three years before moving to the family farm. Erv was a very hard worker and known to be extremely particular. He always said, “There’s a right way and a wrong way, do it the right way.” After marriage, he worked in the brick and masonry business for over ten years as a hod carrier in Quincy, Il. Then, always enjoying carpentry and working with his hands, Erv spent his remaining working years, in his own words, as a “carpenter by trade and a weekend farmer”. Erv took great pride in his work and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t try. He loved helping bring someone else’s vision to life. Everyone knew they would get his best. Like everyone else, life rolled along very quickly. Erv was a loving husband, dad and grandpa, sharing his many words of wisdom and talents with his kids and grandkids. He was known as Paw Paw Erv, Swervin’ Ervin, and the Colonel to many of his kids’ and grandkids’ friends, which he was very proud of. Erv was kind, witty, hard-working, fun-loving, and honest – a true good, family man. He was truly humbled by the love, support and care given him since his illness. He will be greatly missed. Erv is also survived by two sisters, Jean Ann Mechlin (Curt), Mexico; and Doris Ann Moss (Junior), New Hartford; a brother, David Clement Grote (Mona), Bowling Green; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by their infant son, Tyson, and his mother and father. Serving as pallbearers will be nephews: Terry Sells, Danny Sells, Kenny Burgeson, Roger Moss, Kenneth Turpin, Scott Bair, Jeremy Grote, Grant Gollaher, Justin Tepen and Ryan Tepen. Memorials may be made to the St. Clement Cemetery Association, Pike County Home Health and Hospice or to the donor’s choice.