Ralph R. Grote, 89 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2011 in the Woodcrest Nursing Center located in Decatur, Indiana. Ralph was born on Monday, November 14, 1921 in Adams County, Indiana the son of the late Roland Grote and the late Louise A. (Marbach) Grote. He married Irene C. Conrad on March 29, 1943 in Immanuel Lutheran Church and she survives. Ralph served in the United States Air Force during WWII. During his service in the Army Air Corp, he helped to transport Bob Hope and got to know him well. Ralph was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church where he served in many offices in the church. He was also a charter member of the Union Township Lions club and a member of the American Legion Post #43 in Decatur where he served as the past commander. Ralph was an auto mechanic for forty-nine years. He retired in 1986 from Poinsette Chrysler & Plymouth in Fort Wayne, Indiana with eighteen years of service. Surviving are his wife, Irene C. Grote of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Sandra K. (Don) Bennett of Waynedale, Indiana; son, Derryl G. (Linda) Grote of Decatur, Indiana; son, Leon D. "Hap" (Helen) Grote of Hoagland, Indiana; son, Timothy R. (Bert) Grote of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Cynthia J. (Barry) Bradtmueller of Hoagland, Indiana; brother, Jerry (Jean) Grote of Decatur, Indiana; twelve grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren. Preceding Ralph in death was one brother, Don Grote. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 20, 2011 in the Immanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor David Koeneman officiating. Interment will follow in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Military Graveside Honors by American Legion Post #43 Color Guard. Friends will be received from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 19, 2011 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Preferred memorials are to Immanuel Lutheran Church Building Fund or Worship For Shut Ins.
