Ralph J Grothaus

Ralph John Grothaus Jr., age 76, of Gary, IN, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2017 at Porter Regional Hospital of Valparaiso, with his loving family at his side. Ralph was born June 15, 1940 in Gary, Indiana to the late Ralph H. Grothaus and Betty (Nickels) Hammar. Also preceding him in death are his loving wife Marla (Swank) Grothaus and brother-in-law, Bill St. Myers. Left to cherish his memory are his son John (Lisa) Grothaus; stepchildren, Alden Feeler, Denise (Steve) Schiller, Scott (Sarah) Feeler and Daniele Brown; grandchildren, Daulton and Nicholas Grothaus, and numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Vicky St. Myers; half-sister, Debbie (Dean) Hunter; special cousin Fr. Jerry Schweitzer. After being discharged from the United States Air Force, Ralph became a deputy for the Lake County Sherriff's Office, where he worked undercover drug unit. He then joined the Merrillville Police Department, where he enjoyed working public relations, giving seminars for American Heart Assoc. and training CPR, and receiving the title "Officer Friendly". After his Law Enforcement career, he worked for Inland Steel security. Ralph retired from Colvin Concrete. He was member of Ross Baptist Church of Gary, IN and volunteer for Merrillville Fire Dept. He is reunited again with his wife of 34 years, Marla, after being briefly apart when she passed in August. Visitation will be Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 11:00 am until time of his celebration of life services at 12:00 pm at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home (8178 S. Cline; Schererville, Indiana 46375) with Fr. Gerald Schweitzer officiating. To leave online condolences, please visit www.chapellawnfunerals.com.