Egon Hans Grothe

Egon Grothe, a passionate pilot and veteran, 89, passed away peacefully at the VA Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Jan 17,2022.

Lovingly remembered and cherished by his partner of 32 years, Chris Tevich, and daughters Suzan Landry and partner Craig, and Sandi Lloyd and husband Jeff, and his grandchildren: Jade and fiance Deanna,Taylor and wife Madison, Austin,Cole and Spencer and one great grandson, Jeffrey. Also survived by his closest cousin, Grace Graf.

Egon was born to German immigrants Johannes Grothe and Marie Schneider in Milwaukee in 1932. He attended  Washington High School and the University of  Wisconsin, Milwaukee from 1950-52 during which he also joined and trained with the US Air Force Reserves. He left to serve our country in the Korean Conflict from 1952-56, as a flight engineer on B-29s. He was part of the 56th Weather Recon Squadron. His passion for flying would continue throughout his life. He returned to complete his Economics degree and graduated in 1959.

He started his career in medical sales for Lederle and later, Abbot, then transferred  to orthopedic sales for Zimmer Thompson which moved him to Green Bay, Wisconsin for 12 years.  Although he had his own Cessna and later, Beechcraft Bonanza which he used frequently for recreational flying, he left sales to follow his lifelong dream to become an airline pilot.  He did a stint with Business Express Airlines, but ended his career as a flight instructor for general aviation pilots which carried on his legacy and love for flying.

Egon’s passions included attending the annual EAA flying convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, attending fly-in breakfasts, reminiscing about the past, and of course, spending time with  Chris!  Egon also had a huge love for baseball both as a player  in his youth and as a fan of the Milwaukee Braves and Brewers.

Donations in his honor may be made to the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center or Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Military Honors will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022  at 2:00 PM  at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery , 21731 Spring Street, Union Grove, Wisconsin, in the Committal Service Shelter.