R. Grover

R. Bruce Grover, 79, of Kohler, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2014, at his home. Bruce was born on May 22, 1935, in East Orange, New Jersey, son of Reginald Bruce Sr. and Anna (Snyder) Grover. He was a 1953 graduate of Montclair Academy and received his degree in engineering from MIT in 1957. On November 6, 1960 he married Carol Cavanagh in Bloomfield, NJ. Bruce began his career in plastics research at Celanese Corporation in NJ from 1957 until 1960. He was then employed with Nixon Baldwin Chemical Co. in optical strip manufacturing from 1960 until 1963 and GAF Corporation in NY in floor tile research from 1963 until 1966. Bruce became the Plant Manager with GAF Corporation in Illinois from 1966 until 1970. He then began his career with VPI, LLC, as Vice President of Manufacturing, ultimately becoming Chairman and CEO until his retirement in 2004. Bruce was a member of the Society of the Plastics Industry, where he served as chairman of the Sheet Producers Division and the Statistics Committee. He served as a member of the advisory boards for US Bank - Sheboygan and Kaytee Products in Chilton, and was a member of the board of directors of Fresh Brands. In 1991, Bruce was awarded the Wisconsin Small Business Person of the Year and in 1997 he was awarded the Kiwanis Citizen of the Year Award. He was the recipient of the Jack Barney Award (Society of Plastics Engineers) in 1998. Bruce was honored with the Sheboygan Rotary Club Good Citizen Award in 2006 and became a member of the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame in 2007. He was named among the Sheboygan Press' 100 People Who Shaped Sheboygan County. Bruce was founder of the Sheboygan Astronomical Society, past member and chief negotiator of the Kohler School Board, past president of the Sheboygan Country Club. He was a member of the Sheboygan Economic Club, an advocate of the University of Wisconsin, and chairman of the Sheboygan Development Corporation. Bruce served on the advisory board for the Boys & Girls Club, an advisor of the Above & Beyond Children's Museum, and on the board of directors of Meals on Wheels. He founded the Grover Family Foundation, which enabled him to continue his philanthropy in the community which he loved. Bruce was a collector of rare books and made a generous book donation to the UW Madison Special Collection in 2012. He enjoyed traveling and was proud of the fact that he had visited six of the seven continents. He was an accomplished photographer; his art was displayed at the Plymouth Art Center and filled the walls of his home. Bruce took great pleasure in the adventure of geocaching. With Carol, his wife, they found over 1000 caches around the world. Bruce is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol; his two daughters, Deborah (John) Wente of Sheboygan and Karen (Hugh) Scott of Glenview, IL; his son, Robert (Sara) Grover of Naperville, IL; and seven grandchildren, Kristin and Samantha Wente, Sydney, Caroline, and Ava Scott, and Jonah and Nate Grover. Even with his many business successes, Bruce was most proud of his family. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Bruce's life will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, November 29, 2014, at St. John Evangelist Catholic Church in Kohler with Rev. Dick Cerpich officiating. Inurnment will take place at Woodland Cemetery in Kohler. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of the service at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Bruce's name for Meals on Wheels and PSC Partners Seeking a Cure. A Life Well Lived Longevity Good Health for Many Years Happy Marriage Responsible Successful Children Wonderful In-laws Loving Grandchildren Good Friends Accomplished Career Financial Stability Ability to be philanthropic Chance to Travel the World For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting Bruce's family with arrangements.

Visitation

Saturday, November 29, 2014 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
St John Evangelist Catholic Church
600 Green Tree Road Kohler 53044, United States

Service

Saturday, November 29, 2014 12:00 PM
St John Evangelist Catholic Church
600 Green Tree Road Kohler 53044, United States