Columbus, OH — Robert Joseph “Bob” Groter, 75, of Wyoming, Ill., died in a snowmobiling accident in St. Germain, Wis., Feb. 2, 2023.

Mr. Groter was born Feb. 11, 1947, in Ottawa, Ill., to Joseph E. and Anne (Kelly) Groter. He married Bebe Jo (Miller) in 1965 in Michigan; she survives.

Also surviving are a son, Robert Bernard (Mary); daughter, Brenda Jo (Bradley) Hopp; and grandchildren, Joseph, Elizabeth (Ben) Kovalick, Mary Jo, John, James, Olivia Hopp and Brett Hopp. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Don Kissel; and grandson, Robert Eugene.

Mr. Groter graduated from Wyoming High School in 1965. He worked for Ezra Rumbold and Sons for 17 years and was co-owner of Wyoming Monument Company, with his wife and son since 1988.

He was a member of the USTA since 1970, when he obtained his starter’s license. He was the starter for harness races for more than 50 years in several states, including Quad City Downs.

He also enjoyed riding horses at Rainbow Trout Ranch in Colorado.

Mr. Groter was also a member of the St. Germain Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club in Wisconsin, the Wyoming Lions Club, and St. Dominic Catholic Church.

A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday (Feb. 8) at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Wyoming. Fr. Corey Krengiel will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 7) at Haskell Funeral & Cremation Services in Wyoming. Burial will be in St. Dominic Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mid-West Illinois Racing Association (M-WIRA) or the Wyoming Lions Club.