Richard O. Grogg
September 5, 1934 – February 27, 2021
A graveside service for Dick will take place on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Those wishing to attend his service are asked to socially distance and wear the required face covering. Memorial contributions in Dick’s memory may be given to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or West Michigan Cancer Center, care of the funeral home. Don’t forget to visit Richard’s Guestbook to leave a condolence message.
Obituary
Age 86, died at home after a lengthy illness on Friday, February 26, 2021. Richard was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on September 05, 1934, the son of Everett and Orene (Coburn) Grogg. As a young man, Dick worked at Brunswick and Checker, but always returned to work with his dad at Grogg’s Body shop. Dick’s love of old cars, family and friends evolved into a decades-long endeavor. Dick’s dad, Everett, started the business, Grogg’s Body Shop in 1947. When Everett retired, Dick continued running the business until it was time for him to retire. Grogg’s Body Shop in Comstock, Michigan stayed in business for over 60 years. Dick’s shop became Grand Central for everything cars. His friends and family could always stop by for a visit while he was working. Many of life’s problems were solved under the hood of whatever car Dick was working on at the time. There were many antique vehicles restored and painted at the body shop over the years, including the restoration of his daughter’s first car, a 1965 Mustang. Dick also helped his son Michael restore his 1950 Chevy pickup and a 1966 Chevy Nova. He was also very involved with his family and truly loved spending time with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids and made many life-long memories with them. On August 23, 1957, Dick wed his sweetheart, Donna J. Sincler, who sadly preceded him death in August of 2006. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Orene, a sister, Geraldine Perry, and two sons-in-law, Kevin Gard and Richard Leonard. Dick’s family will miss him dearly but know that his legacy will live on with them. He is survived by his children, Michael (Linda) Grogg, Debra Gard-Leonard and Rick Grogg. His grandchildren include Alicia (Mike) McKenzie, Aaron (Chelsea) Grogg, Thomas (Kami) Hammond, Frances (Justin) Miller, Cari (Phillip) Derby, Nitasha (Tony) Dominowski, Danielle Grogg and Ryan Grogg, as well as 23 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many other extended family and friends, and lastly his beloved dog, Duke.
As one of many nieces and nephews of Uncle Dick I will cherish all of the memories from spending time with him and Aunt Donna, family reunions at Milham Park and having a personal auto body shop for any fender bender repairs. Gone but never forgotten.
Dick was such a sweet man. He and Donna were very well loved by our community. They were always at ball games when Rick was playing. Hanging out with all of us and our children. My heart hurts for the Grogg family.
I remember Dick very well from the years that he worked at Checker Motors as a metal finisher. He was a great co-worker and an all around good guy. Saw him at breakfast years after he left Checker to run the family body shop. He still had the friendly smile and warm “Hello”. R I P Dick My condolences go out to his family and friends
Rick… Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Thinking of you in this time of loss.
So sorry to see your passing Dick , I have known you my whole life, growing up in the same neighborhood. Some of my favorite times was the old days at the Tap Room. Test In Peace old friend.
Mike, Deb and Rick, so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in prayer. Sorry i missed his final resting day. RIP. Uncle Dick.