Paul Ralph Grover of Belvidere, IL passed into Heaven on December 14, 2022. He was born at home on his ancestral farm near Rochelle, IL on May 29, 1939 to Wallace and Mildred Grover. A loving husband and father, he married his wife Susan Lee at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI on August 16, 1969. His children include Sarah Blatchford (Chris), Martha Grover (Nigam Acharya) and Joel Grover. Grandchildren: Caleb Blatchford (Lynnea), Carson Blatchford and Shanthi Acharya. Great-grandchildren: Eliana and Emery Blatchford. He is survived by his three siblings: Ruth Huckstep (Mervin), Mary Scheie (Carl) and John Grover (Carrie). He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members whom he loved dearly. Following the death of his father, he managed his home farm on behalf of his family for 18 years and enjoyed frequent sentimental trips there to maintain the farm.

Paul always appreciated his eight years at nearby Smith School where he believed he had received a fine education despite there being no kindergarten! He graduated from Rochelle High School and went on to the Lutheran Bible Institute followed by graduation with a BA degree majoring in English and minoring in German from Augsburg College, both in Minneapolis, MN. Paul earned his MA degree in German through four summer immersions at Middlebury College in Middlebury, VT. He also did graduate work at the University of Minnesota, Purdue University and Northern Illinois University. He began the German department at Harmony High School in Harmony, MN and went on to teach German in Blue Island, IL. Paul then moved to Belvidere, IL where he started the German department at Belvidere High School and taught for 27 years. He substitute taught for many years after retirement. He enjoyed his students and always appreciated being greeted by his former students as Herr Grover. He served as advisor to the German Club and the American Field Service student exchange program. Paul led two student groups to Germany to sightsee and stay in homes with families in Schwieberdingen, Belvidere's sister city. In retirement he also enjoyed caring for his grandsons two days a week in their preschool years.

Paul was a faithful member and former president of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL. He particularly enjoyed singing as a tenor in the choir for many years. He also served as president of the Ida Public Library Board and Belvidere's chapter of American Field Service. Paul was also active in the Belvidere Sister City chapter. He was an active member and former president of the Boone Gideon Camp. He especially appreciated participating in an International Scripture Blitz in Chile. Paul and Sue enjoyed car trips with their children and a family trip to Europe in 1985. In recent years they have enjoyed numerous cruises and other international travel. He was an avid walker with a goal of 10,000 steps on his FitBit daily. He had a heart for those at the Rockford Rescue Mission and helped lead a monthly Gideon service there with his ukulele.

Memorials may be given to Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Rockford, IL), Gideons International and the Rockford Rescue Mission. Special thanks to all of the staff at OSF St. Anthony's Hospital and Hospice who lovingly cared for him in his final weeks. He was proud to tell the staff he had never spent a night in the hospital (even to be born) until this point!

A visitation for Paul will be Wednesday, December 21, between the hours of 4-7 pm at Anderson Funeral Home. Located at 218 Hurlbut in Belvidere IL 61008. Funeral on Thursday, December 22, at 11 am at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Located at 3301 Corbridge Ln. Rockford, IL. Visitation at the church from 10 am until the time of service.