Michael A. Grobben

Michael Alan Grobben, age 39 of Columbus, passed away Saturday, July 3, 2010 after a lengthy illness. Mike was born October 28, 1970 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He grew up between Michigan and Columbus, graduating from Bexley High School, where he played the trombone. In 1989, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in Saudi Arabia during Dessert Storm. He was a proud member of search and rescue on the USS Jesse L. Brown (now decommissioned). Upon his return to Columbus, Mike worked as a bartender at the V.I.P. Lounge before gaining employment at Kroger in Whitehall as a night stocker. He transferred to Gahanna and then to Consumer Square, where he worked his way up to the frozen food manager. He worked at Kroger for 10 years. Mike met Patsy Horton, and they were married June 10, 1995. To this union two daughters were born; Jessi and Kelsie. Mike loved to repair electronics and research information on any subject. He was a good analytical thinker and an “information sponge”. At one point, Mike was an editor for Wiki How, Wikopedia. He loved the outdoors of his home state of Michigan and was an avid Wolverines fan. Mike’s joy was to see his girls grow into young adults and to see them learn. They will remember him for his pranks, jokes, love, and support. Preceded in death by his father, Donald Grobben and friend, Ferlin. Mike will be missed by his loving wife of 15 years, Patsy Grobben; daughters, Jessi and Kelsi; mother, Carol (John) Volpi; step-mother, Maggie Grobben; brother, Steven (Anne) Grobben; sister, Amanda (Spencer) Chavez; and good friend, Rob Truex. Mike’s family will receive friends Thursday, July 8, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of memorial services at 11:30am at Schoedinger North Chapel, 5554 Karl Rd., Columbus, Ohio, Rev. Stephen Hielkema, officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Kingwood Memorial Park. Contributions may be made in Mike’s memory to The Fund for Veteran’s Education, 111 Radio Circle, Mount Krisco, NY 10549 (914) 242-2377.