John E. Grossman 1933 - 2005

GROSSMAN, BROOKE

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/21/2019 at 18:40:44

Sioux city Journal
12 January 2005

John E. Grossman, 71, of Sioux City died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at a Sioux City hospital.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. There will be a vigil service at 7 p.m. Thursday at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel.

John was born June 16, 1933, in Alliance, Neb., the son of John A. and Verna Jane Grossman. After graduating from high school, he taught accordion, guitar and played in several dance bands in the western Nebraska area. At that time, he also served eight years in the Nebraska National Guard. He received his bachelor degree from Chadron State College and a master's degree in music from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

In 1959, he married Marlene J. Brooke of Atkinson, Neb. They resided in Stuart, Neb., where he taught music in the schools. Later, he taught in the Norfolk (Neb.) School System and eventually moved to Sioux City in 1975. He taught strings in the Sioux City Public Schools until his retirement. While in Norfolk, he founded and directed the Northeast Nebraska Symphony. Before moving to Sioux City, he began playing cello in the Sioux City Symphony and was a member for the next 22 years.

He was the founder and leader of two bands, the Sand Hillbillies in Stuart, Neb., and the Dixie Daddies in Sioux City, which he played bass and guitar.

He was a dedicated and loving teacher. He was known to work long hours with his students and coached many award winning students and ensembles over the years. Many of his students went on to have professional careers in music.

After retirement, he was an avid gardener and enjoyed writing letters and traveling.

Survivors include his wife, Marlene; children and spouses, Colette and Alfred Abel of Indianapolis, Ind., Eric and Lidia Grossman of New Jersey, Michele Grossman of Sioux City and Renee and Eli Mathews of Seville, Ohio; nine grandchildren; an aunt, Maude of Massachusetts; two brothers-in-law, Richard Brooke and his wife, Dyan of Waxahauhie, Texas, and Harold Dyer of Richmond, Calif.; and nephews, Larry, Ricky, Charnell and Kyle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Mickey Dyer.

The family requests no flowers and memorials will be given to the John Grossman Scholarship Fund at the Leo Kucinski Academy of Music.