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Obits
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Franz Daniel (Dan) Grothe, Jr., born May 31, 1925, to longtime Mendocino and Lake County ranchers Franz Grothe and Jennie Goodrich Grothe, died at his home in Scotts Valley, California, Aug. 17, 2022.
Born at the Bell Springs family ranch, Dan recalled herding cattle down what is now Main Street in Ukiah as a boy.
A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he served in the infantry with the First Battalion, 7th Regiment of the 3rd Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery and steadiness after volunteering to replace and repair communication lines while under enemy fire.
He married his high school sweetheart, Adele (Dell) Burris Grothe, on June 13, 1945. When he was 16 years old, he saw Dell riding a black horse through a vineyard and knew he was going to marry her. Four years later, he did.
They had four children, Lewis “Jeep,” Trudi, Jenny and Art. He never missed a school function, basketball game, a track meet or a wrestling match.
The Army awarded him a Gold Star family designation after his son, Jeep, was killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
He was a beloved grandfather to six grandchildren and a much adored great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He taught his grandchildren to play cribbage, solitaire and basketball, and his great-grandchildren the joys of Haagen-Dazs and salami.
An active community member, he served as a Lakeport School District Board Member, Lake County Fire commissioner, Mendocino College trustee and Rotary Club member. He retired as the California State Probate Referee for Lake County.
Dan is predeceased by his wife, Dell; son, Jeep; and his parents and sisters.
He is survived by daughters, Trudi and Jenny (husband Rick); son, Art (wife Janine); six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Monday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lakeport Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, 445 N. Main St., Lakeport, Ca. 95453 or the Army Emergency Relief Fund.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Jon Joseph "JJ" Flynn
1986-2022
Jon Joseph “JJ” Flynn was born Oct. 13, 1986, in Daly City, California.
He moved to Lake County in May 1989 with family, and graduated from Middletown High School in 2004.
He passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 15, 2022, in Walnut Creek, California, at the age of 35.
Jon is survived by his father, John, of Cobb and sister, Christine, of Redwood City.
Jon is predeceased by his mother, Judy.
He will be missed by all those fortunate enough to know and love him.
Jon's ashes will be interred with other family members at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, at Glenbrook Cobb Cemetery.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Gerald Thomas Wood
Born 1936 — Died 2022
Gerald Thomas Wood, “Jerry,” was born in Red Bluff, California, in 1936.
When he was 3 years old, he, his brother, and his mother went to live with his grandmother in Healdsburg, California, after his father went to fight in World War II.
Jerry grew up enjoying swimming in the Russian River, riding his bike, and playing with his dog, Spot.
Jerry attended college in Santa Rosa and was a member of the US Coast Guard for three years.
Jerry also served as a deputy sheriff in Lake County for 27 years. He became a sergeant and was in charge of patrolling the lakes around Lake County, including Clear Lake, Blue Lakes and Lake Pillsbury.
Jerry met his wife, Joan, when they were 3 years old growing up in Healdsburg. They were always good friends but did not marry until years later after they were both divorced.
Combined, they’ve had eight children, five daughters and three sons, as well as 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Jerry always enjoyed diving for abalone, fishing on his boat, hunting, and traveling with his wife in their motorhome.
Most of all Jerry enjoyed spending time with family and attending kids, grandkids and great-grandkids events throughout the years.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Wilda Wood; brother, Wally Wood; son, JT Wood; and grandson, Conner Thomas.