Paul Douglas Grupe

Paul Douglas Grupe, age 81, was called to his final homecoming on Friday, June 10. He was born Dec. 17, 1940 in Deshler, Nebraska to Helen Catherine (Meyer) and Paul H. Grupe.  Doug was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church which he attended his entire life.

Doug had a love for athletics.  He was on a state champion baseball team as a youth and followed the NY Yankees. He played varsity football in high school and cheered for the Green Bay Packers (even in the lean pre-Brett Favre years) and the Huskers (maybe he can put in a good word for this season).  One of his favorite sports was track and he attended Husker indoor and outdoor meets for many years.

Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country with honor as a radio operator.  He liked watching the Army/Navy football game and I bet you can guess who he rooted for.

Doug also loved the outdoors. He and Naomi were active in Blue Birds Across Nebraska for many years.  He trapped, hunted, and fished – lucky you if you went to one of his fish fries! The “Bird Man of Alice St” raised purple martins for the neighborhood to enjoy although they may not have enjoyed the literal fallout quite so much.  He gardened, tended fruit trees, and made a mean jar of sauerkraut.

Doug was married to his loving wife, Naomi (Willmore) for 56 years. Together they raised four children:  Shelly Thomas, James (Lana Ferguson) Grupe, Paula (Bill Beavers) Grupe, and Barry (Krissy) Grupe.  He loved their 7 grandchildren:  Amanda (Bob) Wellman, Joshua (Shanna) Thomas, Sarah (Isaac) Hoesing, Emily Grupe, Helen (Eli) Cline, Jacob Novak, and Kristopher Beavers; and cherished their great-grandchildren:  Ashlyn and Carson Wellman, Wyatt, Nolan and Myles Hoesing, and Haven and Waylon Cline. He is also survived by his sister Lonna Beth (Robert) Kral, a niece and nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Emily Grupe.

Services will be held on Friday, June 24 ^th at 11:00 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Deshler.  Memorials to Blue Birds Across Nebraska or the Nebraska Game and Parks.   Ahrendts Funeral Home of Deshler is assisting the family with arrangements.  www.priceurbauerahrendts.com.