Raymond Grothen

Rural Hastings resident, Raymond R. Grothen, 90, died Thursday, March 22, 2012 at his home.

Burial with military rites by Hastings Veterans Organizations will be Tuesday, March 27, 2012; 9:30 A.M. in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. Memorial service will follow at 11:00 A.M. at First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Hastings with Pastor Joel Remmers officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, March 25, 2012; 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M., Monday, March 26, 2012; 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. with family present from 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 501 N. Burlington Avenue, Hastings, Nebraska 68901.

Raymond was born April 2, 1921 to Oscar W. & Hertha E.M. (Plautz) Grothen, north of Hastings on the family farm. He was baptized and confirmed at First St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He attended Tri View District #33 School and graduated from Hastings High School in 1938. Raymond married Helen Ellen Theesen on February 22, 1943 in Fort Collins, Colorado; she preceded him in death on August 29, 2004. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from November 4, 1942 until November 7, 1945 during World War II. Raymond was a retired farmer. He was a part-time substitute rural mail carrier. A lifelong member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he was on the Church Council, Choir, Foundation Board, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher. Raymond and Helen enjoyed Mr. and Mrs. Club, Middle Mixers and Westernaires Square Dancers. Raymond served on the Tri View School Board, West Blue Township Board, Adams Central Founding School Board, and ASCS Committee. Raymond is survived by five children, 22 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen E. (Theesen) Grothen; and two brothers, Harold Grothen and Carl Grothen.

Survivors include:
His children and their families:
Mary & Robert Williams
Grandchildren & Spouses: Barbara & Keith White
Richard Williams
Andrea Williams
Janet & Brad Johnson
Lisa Williams
5 Great-Grandchildren
Phyllis & Donald Tinsman
Grandchildren & Spouses: Tammy & Scott Fielder
Aaron & Jennifer Tinsman
Tysha & Chad Bryant
Dustin & Stephanie Tinsman
Travis & Jamie Tinsman
Matthew Tinsman
12 Great-Grandchildren
2 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Kathryn Minor of Rapid City, South Dakota
Grandchildren & Spouses: Gary & Barb Thomas
Vincent & Kate Thomas
Jennifer & Steve Larson
Kristin & Brandon Talbot
16 Great-Grandchildren
Susan & Thomas Riggs
Grandchildren & Spouses: Jessica & Jeremy Weber
Renee & JR Ground
Haley Riggs
Laura & Soren Olsen
7 Great-Grandchildren
Timothy Grothen
Grandchildren: Adam Grothen
Silas Grothen
Kaitlyn Grothen
Brother & Spouse: Paul & Jeanette Grothen
Sister: Edna Jobman