Martin W. Grossmann

Martin W. Grossmann, 82, of Peoria, Illinois passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2022, with his wife Verena by his side. He spent two weeks in the neuroscience intensive care unit at OSF and his family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and doctors who so kindly cared for Martin. The family also much appreciates the care Martin received from his two wonderful physical therapists and his home health care team.

Martin is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years Verena of Peoria, Illinois; his daughter, Claudia (Hanno) Allolio of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; his son, Christian (Susan Monce) Grossmann of Monterey, California; and two granddaughters, Eva Allolio of Freiburg, Germany and Joséphine Allolio of Berlin, Germany. He is also survived by two brothers, Hans Werner (Lilly) Grossmann and Kurt (Emmi) Grossmann both of Switzerland. Martin was a kind uncle to eleven nieces and nephews and a much-loved brother-in-law.

Martin was born on July 17, 1940, in Interlaken, Switzerland to Hans and Frieda Grossmann. He received his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering in Switzerland and was a reservist in the Swiss military. Martin and Verena married in 1967 and soon thereafter immigrated to the United States.

Martin graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He started working at Boeing and in 1970, Martin and Verena moved to Peoria, Illinois. Martin dedicated 35 years of his career to Caterpillar. He travelled often and held several managerial roles and worked at various locations including twice being transferred to Europe. Martin retired in 2004 to continue his lifelong pursuit of adventure and travel. Recently, he accomplished his personal goal of setting foot on every continent when he toured Africa.

Martin had a curious mind, a generous heart, and a gentle soul. He spoke five languages, loved chocolate and watching Jeopardy. He liked playing backgammon and chess with his children and he played the flute and accordion; but above all, Martin loved being outdoors with his family while snow skiing, hiking, sailing and windsurfing. He adored his two granddaughters and was a very loving father to his two children. Verena was his soul mate and Martin always said he would be lost in this world without her.

Friends and family are kindly invited to Martin’s memorial service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at the Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home at 2408 W Willow Knolls Rd in Peoria. Following the memorial service, there will be an opportunity to give condolences to Martin’s family until 3 p.m. Also online condolences for the family may be left at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/peoria-il/martin-grossmann.

The burial will occur at a later date and will be for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Martin by reaching out and helping someone in need.