Pauline Behrmann Groerich

Pauline Behrmann Groerich was born January 6, 1928 in The Grove, Texas to Frederick and Pauline Behrmann.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James, brothers Fred, Norm and Vic, and sisters Ruth, Esther, Alma and Lydia.

She is survived by son Jon (Debbie) Groerich, daughters Rebecca (Douglas) Koopman and Stephanie (Stan) Meyer. Grandchildren Josh (Tammie) Higgins, Dana (Robbie) Bassett, Abbie (Mark) Duitsman, Leah (Alex) Michel, Cammie (Tyler) Benson, Micah, Ben and Jacob (Savannah) Meyer. Great Grandchildren Macee, Rudy, Kaden, Ruby, Lincoln, Grace, Mylee, Ruben Higgins; Bailey, Reese and Joclyn Bassett; Lillian, Jackson, Cooper, Charlotte and Emerson Duitsman; Miles and Turner Michel.

Pauline (lovingly known as Pene) was an amazing, loving, God-fearing daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was the baby of the Behrmann family with three brothers and four sisters. Because of that she had a lifelong competitive spirit that showed itself on the softball field in high school and college and continued through her games of "dice" with Jim at the kitchen table.

Pauline grew up in Defiance, Ohio in a house overlooking the Maumee River. She was a soloist in the school choir and was the Valedictorian of her high school class at Defiance High School. She always thought she wanted to be a nurse, but instead found her calling as a kindergarten Teacher. Her first job as a teacher was at Salem Lutheran School Affton in St. Louis Missouri. Because of her talents and love of music she became a member of the St. Louis A Cappella Choir. That is when she met the love of her life, Jim Groerich.

Jim and Pauline were married on August 4th,1951 at Hope Lutheran Church, St. Louis on a day so hot their candles melted! They honeymooned in the Smokey Mountains. Shortly after that Jim accepted a Call to be pastor at Redeemer, Delta, Co and Immanuel in Paonia, Co on the western slope. That first year was tough being so far away from both families. Pauline wasn't "just" a pastor's wife. She was a partner in Ministry with Jim and served in many ways to be, as she called it "his helper in the work for which he studied so long". She was a bit reluctant however when she arrived at Redeemer, Delta and was expected to be the church organist! She did the best she could. Jim and Pauline served at Delta and Paonia for six years. During that time their family grew with the arrival of Jonathan Mark.

In 1956, Jim and Pauline accepted a Call to begin a mission congregation in the Bear Valley/Harvey Park area of southwest Denver. Again, she assisted Jim in his ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church. While at Trinity, Rebecca and Stephanie joined the family. She served as Choir Director for the Cherub, Junior and Adult choirs. She led music for Vacation Bible School as well as leading the Children's Christmas services every Christmas Eve. She was the High School Sunday School Teacher for many years which meant she was also a good listener and confessor! For their last number of years at Trinity Pauline worked as the Church Secretary. After Jim and Pauline retired from Trinity in December 1989, they transferred their membership to Wheatridge Lutheran Church, assisting Pastor John Rolf.

Pauline took great pride in her work with LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League). For many years she joyfully participated and led in many ways. She was involved at the local, state and national levels, serving as President of the Colorado District as well as Christian Growth Chairman and International Leadership Training. She was an author, writing devotionals (Mustard Seeds) and Bible Studies for the Women's Quarterly.

Pauline was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, teaching and leading in many capacities with people of all ages. Above all these things, she knew she was a child of God and was dearly loved. She never hesitated to let others know that Jesus loved them too.

Mom's final years were spent at Morningstar Assisted Living and Reflections. We are thankful for the many loving individuals that cared for her.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to: Lutheran High School Parker, Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO, Lutheran Women's Missionary League, LCMS Rocky Mountain District, Wheatridge Lutheran Church.

To share a memory of Pauline or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.