Robert "Bob" Steve Grossman

Robert “Bob” Steve Grossman was born on December 26, 1926 on the Grossmann family homestead in Gonzales County, Texas to Vilémina “Minnie” (Lamža) and Jindřich Grossmann. His grandparents, Vilém and Magdaléna, emigrated from Bohemia in 1882 and Ondřej and Zuzana from Slovakia in 1896 through the port of Galveston, Texas. He was raised on a farm west of Shiner, Lavaca County, Texas and attended the Kokernot School where he learned to speak English. He rode his horse to Shiner High School through 1944. Like his father who served in France in WWI, Robert enlisted in the Army in 1945. He served in the 46th Engineer Construction Battalion of the 24th Infantry Division in the Occupation Forces of Japan. After his Honorable Discharge in 1946, he returned to Shiner where he farmed and attended Baldwin Business College in Yoakum, Texas earning an Associate’s Degree in Business. He reenlisted in the Army in 1948 and served a two-year tour in the 8th US Army Task Force South Korea, returning home just before the outbreak of the Korean War.

Robert moved to Houston in the early 1950’s where he worked for Reed Roller Bit and for Houston Pipe Line Company as a welder. During this time he attended night school at the University of Houston College of Business pursuing an Accounting degree. He went to work for The Grocer’s Supply Company in 1960 where he worked for 32 years as an Accountant before retiring in 1992.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his elder sisters Ella Truett of Corpus Christi, Texas, Adéla DuBois of Shiner, Texas, younger sister Mildred Šupak of Rosenberg, Texas, and elder brother Herman Grossman of Billings, Montana. Also preceding him in death were stepson Robert Quast; step granddaughters Caren and Catherine Quast; one nephew, one niece; and many close cousins. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Mary Virginia (Green) Grossman, of Houston; son Steven Grossman and wife Patricia of Houston, and stepson Larry Quast and wife Martha of Richmond, Texas. Also surviving are step grandsons Joshua Quast, Jason Quast, Casey Quast, Brian Steffek, and Shane Steffek; step granddaughters Rene Thomas, Bridgette Ruffin, Jennifer Nagel, Emily Quast, and Cydni Quast; five nieces; and five great grandchildren.

Robert was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Ascension Lutheran Church, LCMS, in Houston in 1958 and was a member of St Mark Lutheran Church, LCMS, in Houston for 48 years.

Robert was an avid vegetable gardener all his life. He was also a lover of all things Czech, especially food and music. He and Virginia travelled several times to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, even managing to locate relatives 100 years removed from those who were able to emigrate to Texas in the 19th century. He was a member of the VFW and of the Czech Heritage and Cultural Society of Texas where his family is recognized as a Texas Czech Pioneer Family. He was a man of few words, but many acts of service. He commanded the respect and love of his family and of his many friends who will miss his wisdom, kindness, and dry wit tremendously.