Herman Grothoff, 87, of Taos passed away on Tuesday November 7, 2023 at his home.

He was born February 20, 1936 in Taos to the late Anton and Augusta (Forck) Grothoff.  Herman grew up in Taos and was a graduate of Fatima High School. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserve in 1962.   Herman was honored to travel on the Missouri Honor Flight in 2016.  After returning from service, he continued his education becoming a licensed electrician.  He began his career with G & H Electric.  Later, Herman was employed with Meyer Electric until his retirement.  Joining in 1964, he became a member of IBEW Local #257.  Herman was proud to tell his kids of the many office buildings, airports, government buildings including the state capitol that he helped wire.  Friends, neighbors and relatives could always count on Herman to help with any electrical issues they had.  Over the years, Herman treasured the friendships he made with his many union buddies.  Even after retirement the group enjoyed regular lunch outings to visit and reminisce.

On April 28, 1962, Herman married Wilma Linnenbrink at St. George Catholic Church in Linn.  After moving to Taos, Herman and Wilma were blessed with five children, Lisa, Lori, Joe, Lindy and Greta.  Whether it was camping in the red, white and blue tent, fishing or relaxing at the cabin on the Osage River, Herman loved spending time with his family.  In his younger years, Herman was a gifted baseball player and excellent at pitching horseshoes, winning several tournaments over the years. He was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, singing in the church choir, donating his homemade wine for church services and rewiring the entire church. 

Surviving family members include five children; Lisa (Kevin) Cassmeyer of Taos, Lori (Roger) Lamb of Taos, Joe (Diane) Grothoff of Loose Creek, Lindy (Charlotte) Grothoff of Loose Creek, Greta (Darren) Heckman of Taos, eleven grandchildren; Ashton Patel, Robyn Eiken, Melissa Svoboda, Liz Freie, Brian Lamb, Lucas and Morgan Grothoff, Makayla Schnur, Claire, Natalie and Abbey Heckman, twelve  great grandchildren, three brothers; Wilfred (Rita) of Wardsville, Tom (Aggie) of Taos, Bill (Barb) of Folk and two sisters-in-law; Esther Jaegers of Jefferson City and Mary Lou Thoenen of Linn.  Herman was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma; brother, Fred and four sisters; Dorothy Luebbering, Mary Jane Henke, Henrietta Kroll and Loretta Hilkemeyer.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 12, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Taos from 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 2:00 p.m.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Monday at the church with additional visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Reverend Kelechi Uzuegbu will officiate.  Burial with military honors will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City is assisting the family with arrangements.  trimblefunerals.com