Richard Dennis Grosskopf

Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of Richard Dennis Grosskopf after losing his battle with Parkinson’s Disease on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.

Richard--a multi-generational Austinite related to the Pfluger family through his paternal grandmother—was born on December 30, 1945. He met his long-time friend, Coleman Foster, in his Senior year at Austin High School where he would graduate as a National Honor Society scholarship recipient in 1965. It’s through his friendship with Coleman that Richard would first meet Carolyn when visiting the Foster home to borrow a copy of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. Although Carolyn was too young to date at that time, they would marry five years later in January 1970 and celebrate 53 years together as husband and wife.

After graduating from the College of Engineering at the University of Texas in January 1970, Richard pursued his career as a Registered Professional Engineer in the petro-chemical industry where he led the way in the fields of instrumentation, automation, and safety-system development.

Richard proudly served his country in the Air National Guard and then—after relocating to Houston in 1972, he transferred to the Army Reserve unit of the 808th Engineering Battalion. He served from March 1970 until his discharge in March 1976 just in time for the birth of his beautiful daughter, Courtney, in June of that same year.

Richard is best remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was very involved in raising Courtney who from the moment she was born was daddy’s little girl. The love he showed for his daughter only grew once his grandson, Carsen, arrived. Carsen and his grandfather shared a very close and loving relationship.

Richard enjoyed fishing, a joy he passed on to Carsen. He was an avid participant in other outdoor sports, such as golfing and dove hunting. Every September, when the season opened, he would plan hunting trips. His favorite hunting buddies were his dad and Dewey Murdock, the husband of his cousin, Judy. They would hunt on family land in Pflugerville.

He loved telling people they had a “bad attitude” as well as “hurry, hurry.” If someone asked him “How are you doing?” his response would be “Questionable!” He also believed in Murphy’s Law, but would say “Murphy was optimistic!”

Richard will be remembered for loving his family and for his unique sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Foster Grosskopf, his daughter, Dr. Courtney Carol Grosskopf, and grandson, Carsen Foster Grosskopf; sisters Dr. Sharon Rosenthal and Vicki Beran, her husband Dr. Doug Beran and daughter Lindsay; good friend and brother-in-law Coleman Foster and his wife MaryAnn Foster, nieces Jennifer Halter and husband David Halter, Janalyn Dagar and husband Fred Dagar, Allison Foster, nephew Robert Foster, great nephews James (Jimmy) Halter, Joseph (Joe) Halter, Jonathan (John) Halter, and Jacob Halter, great niece Briella Dagar and great nephew Albert Dagar.

He was preceded in death by his parents Emmitt H. Grosskopf and Gertie Mus Grosskopf and father-in-law Robert Coleman (RC) Foster Sr with whom he enjoyed a special relationship.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a brief prayer service, officiated by Chorbishop Donald J. Sawyer of Our Lady’s Maronite Parish.

Please join us for a celebration of Richard’s life immediately following the service to honor his wish to celebrate his wonderful life. The visitation, service, and dinner will take place at Cook-Walden Funeral Home located at 6100 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78752.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Grosskopf family.