of Maumelle, AR
October 24, 1941 - May 15, 2017
Ronald Armin Grossmann, 75, of Maumelle, passed away May 15, 2017. He was born October 24, 1941, in Chattanooga, TN, to Martha Engels Grossmann and Armin John Grossmann.
His family moved to Detroit, MI, where Ron graduated from Mumford High School in 1959. During his youth he was active in Christ Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church, which laid the foundation for his lifelong Christian faith. He often spoke of his ''Ozzie and Harriet'' childhood, the idyllic life he had growing up in Detroit in the 1950's, and he loved to tell his grandchildren that, as a 10-year-old, he was his local drugstore's yo-yo champion.
In 1963 he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University where he was a member of Theta Chi. Thus began his lifelong devotion to his Spartan athletic teams.
Shortly after graduation, he married Peggy Fallan, and together they raised their two beloved children, Angi and Tom. Ron enjoyed a successful career in retail management, a career that eventually led him to Arkansas in the late 1970's.
When he retired, he settled comfortably into a routine of tennis two days a week, golf two days a week, and one day a week for other activities, most notably caring for his beautiful flowers. An avid gardener, his yard was always filled with a variety of colorful blooms. He enjoyed golf with his friends at Eagle Hill Golf and Athletic Club and made an amazing five holes in one over the course of 15 years. Equally special to him were the friends he made on the tennis courts of Otter Creek Racket Club.
In 2003, he and Linda Watson Holt married at Henderson United Methodist Church, where Ron had been a longtime member, and their two families merged. Ron loved his blended family, and he and Linda were never happier than when they were entertaining their grandchildren. He was called Papa by some and Popcorn by others but was dearly loved by all of them.
Instilled with a love of travel by his parents who always had a summer vacation, he continued the tradition with his children. After he and Linda married, he busily planned at least three trips a year. Europe was always a favorite, and they especially enjoyed Italy, France, and Germany, the home of his ancestors. In the 13 years they were married, he and Linda visited an amazing 43 states, as well as 24 European countries , Costa Rica, Canada, the Eastern Caribbean, Australia, and four countries in southern Africa. An Alaskan cruise in 2016 rounded out his visits to all 50 states.
He and Linda loved to entertain, often having friends over to play bridge or enjoy a good meal. Holidays, especially Christmas, were huge reasons for celebration, and he made sure their home was fully decorated.
An avid reader, his knowledge of history, current events, sports, and music was astounding. He and Linda passed many hours playing trivia games on long road trips, with Ron usually emerging the winner.
His Christian faith, ever present, was demonstrated as he was a Sunday School teacher, small group leader, usher and mission volunteer at First United Methodist Church of Maumelle. When he was diagnosed with the cancer that would ultimately take his life, he looked at Linda and said, ''I'm in a win/win situation. If, with treatment, I can extend my life, I win. If I can't, I win because I will be in Heaven. There would have been no point in practicing Christianity my entire life if I got to this point and didn't believe that.''
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Armin Grossmann, and his grandson, Michael Armin Orsini. He is survived by his wife, Linda Watson Grossmann, his children, Angela Grossmann Orsini (Alex) of Little Rock, and Tom Grossmann (Shari), of Acworth, GA, Linda's children, Andrea Holt Jackson (Jim) of Mount Juliet, TN, and Kevin Holt (Shannon) of West Memphis, grandchildren, David, Jacob, and Noah Orsini, Aydan and Fallan Grossmann, Miranda and Bo Jackson, and Kaiden and Samantha Holt, his brother, Ken Grossmann (Pam) of Livonia, MI, nephew, Jeff Grossmann (Kathie) of Roswell, GA, and niece, Paige Nicholson (Jeremy) of Plymouth, MI, and the mother of his children, Peggy Cihi of Ft. Myers, FL.
A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and faithful friend, Ron could say without doubt, ''I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.'' 2 Timothy 4:7.
A celebration of his life will be held at First United Methodist Church of Maumelle, 1201 Edgewood DR, Maumelle, Saturday, May 20, at 10 AM with visitation immediately following in the family life center. Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Michael Armin Orsini Endowment, Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Way, slot 661, Little Rock, AR 72202 (be sure to include Orsini Endowment on the memo line of your check), First United Methodist Church of Maumelle, or the charity of your choice.
Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway
Ron was my dad's (Charles Grossmann) cousin. Although we never met, I named my son Armin, after Ron's father. While it has been a few years since he passed away, reading this made me smile.
Linda and family, I am so sorry that I was out of town and returned today to This sad news. My love and sympathy to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family. We are always close by if you ever need anything.
Ms Linda, so sorry for your loss, but I know you are at peace and that Mr. Ron is doing everything he loves in heaven.
Many good memories of Ron from Henderson. He will be missed by a wide circle of friends.
We are so sorry for your loss.our prayer is for God to bring comfort and peace to you and the whole family at least his time
I am so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Reading Rev. 21:3, 4 have always brought me comfort, and hopefully will do the same for you.
Ron always had a smile. He will be missed..
We raise a toast in celebration to Ron and the wonderful love you had for one another. God's blessings be with you Linda.
Linda and family, we are so sorry to learn of the passing of your dear husband. What a wonderful life it sounds like y'all enjoyed together with travel and tennis and the blessings of children and grandchildren. May God comfort you all during this time and give you His peace and strength.
Prayers for your lost. Thinking of you during this time.
Thinking of you and keeping your and your wonderful family in our prayers. May the days ahead be filled with memories and good times you have had together.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all the family during this time of loss. Ron will surely be missed by everyone but his memories will be with us always. Our comfort is knowing he is now in a better place. May God bless and keep you during this tough time.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all the family during this time of loss. Ron will surely be missed by everyone but his memories will be with us always. Our comfort is knowing he is now in a better place. May God bless and keep you during this tough time.
Prayers be with you and your family in this time of sadness at the loss of your loved one.
I miss my friend and long hours of golf, games, Linda's wonderful country meals together and discussions on every topic under the sun! Linda could not get him to like "turnip greens" but did convert him to a lot of Southern stuff!! I miss you Buddy!!
Linda & family:
We share your loss. Ron was just the best man,and so happy you two were able to share such a wonderful life.
Much love sent to all.
Our thoughts and prayers to the family. Ron will be missed by many, many people.
Linda and family rest assured Ron is sitting at Jesus feet today in heaven.