John Conrad Groppenbacher

John Conrad Groppenbacher, age 71, of Huntsville, AL, passed away on February 6, 2026. Born on September 15, 1954, in Charleston, South Carolina, John was the beloved son of Retired Air Force MSgt Robert Tyler “Bob” Groppenbacher and Helen Redmond Groppenbacher, who preceded him in death.

John lived a life shaped by service, compassion, and deep humanity. After serving a term in the United States Air Force, John attended Florida State University and received his Master’s degree in social work. He faithfully served as a social worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Honolulu, Hawaii, before retiring after 30 years of service. A published professional, John assisted homeless and incarcerated Veterans on the road to addiction recovery. His work was remarkable to his colleagues who referred to him as an impactful mentor, dedicated to helping others.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, John was also known for his eccentricity and distinct presence. His interests were varied, encompassing adventure, international cuisine, and political affairs. He had a passion for music and enjoyed singing and playing various instruments such as clarinet, bagpipes and piano. He also enjoyed exercise and playing games including pool, croquet and golf. Pinochle was his personal favorite, and he eagerly taught the game to his family members and friends. John was an enthusiastic football fan, especially of his alma mater, Florida State, and took considerable pride in his affiliation. Above all, John loved to learn and wished he was a professional student. As a follower of Jesus, his greatest passion was studying the Word of God, which included a study of Greek to enhance his understanding of its meaning and history. He found great comfort in John 10:28, and its assurance that his eternal life was secure. John lived fully, loved deeply, and never apologized for being exactly who he was.

John is survived by his wife, Jennifer Khong Groppenbacher, who cared for him with unmatched devotion; two younger sisters, Janet Andrews (Mark) and Joanie Barrineau (Dru); his two nephews, Michael (Jennifer) and Jason (Amanda) Andrews; and his niece, Sarah Annerton (Jason), all of whom carry forward his stories and his heart. He had 7 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Helen Groppenbacher, whom he now joins in eternal rest.

A graveside burial service with military honors will be held at Valhalla Memory Gardens on February 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life service held at Sherwood Baptist Church on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.