Robert E. Grover

Robert E. Grover, 82, of Bettendorf, passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at Genesis Medical Center, West Campus, Davenport, surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was born January 4, 1925, in Riverton, Iowa, the son of Cleo Oliver and Susan (Myers) Grover. He graduated from Shenandoah High School in Shenandoah, Iowa, in 1943. He entered the United States Army and after basic training, joined the "509" Paratroop Infantry Battalion. The "509" is the most decorated paratroop battalion of World War II. During the Battle of the Bulge, he was wounded Christmas Eve and captured Christmas Day 1944. Bob spent 98 days in Stalag 12A. He received one Purple Heart, two bronze stars, the French Croix d'Guere with star, the Belgium Croix d'Guere and numerous other medals. The "509" was the first paratroop battalion honored by England with the right to wear their red beret. After his discharge he attended the University of Iowa.
Bob was united in marriage to Lois Levi on June 20, 1948, at the First Presbyterian Church in Bettendorf. He was employed at Alcoa for 35 years, retiring in 1983 as a supervisor in the Receiving Department. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pleasant Valley, Iowa, Alcoa Retirees and 25 year clubs, American Legion Buffalo Bill Post 347 in LeClaire, Iowa, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9128 in Bettendorf, Disabled American Veterans, NRA and he was a lifetime member of American Ex-Prisoners of War. He also had received his 50-year pin from Davenport Masonic Lodge 37.
Bob had been an avid hunter and loved his dogs King, Brittany, Ebony and Lady. He also enjoyed fishing, especially at his home in Northern Wisconsin. Bob bowled and golfed with Alcoa teams for many years. He was treasurer of the "509" for many years and enjoyed the yearly reunions throughout the United States.
Those left to honor his memory include his loving wife, Lois; his daughters, Karen Floyd and her husband, Russell, of Jericho, Vt., Suzanne Monroe and her husband, Michael, of Dahlonega, Ga., and Allison Grover, of Pleasant Valley; his grandchildren, Samantha Drogo and her husband, Jason, Heather Floyd, Mariah Monroe, Rebecca Mazurek and Bradley Proffitt; his great-grandson, Tyler Mazurek; his daughter in law, Carol Grover, of Phoenix, Ariz.; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Reneau, of Sun City West, Ariz.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and by his son, Kevin Grover, on February 4, 2004.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, May 7, 2007, at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, 644 River Drive, Bettendorf. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home with a Masonic service at 5 p.m. Burial with military honors will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 9128, of Bettendorf and will be held at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Scott County or the 509 Association of Paratroopers, 1801 Oakwood Ave, Huntsville, Ala. 35811.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Bob's obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.