Alvina M. Groeltz, 102, of Galesburg, died at 9:47 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2023, in the emergency room of OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
She was born March 15, 1920, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the daughter of Adam and Elsie (Shimkus) Dickman. She married Charles H. “Chic” Groeltz on September 28, 1940, in Riverside, Illinois. He preceded her in death on July 30, 2009, after nearly 69 years of marriage.
She is survived by daughter Sandra Groeltz of Chicago and her family, granddaughter Erinn (Zac) Herndandez and great grandchildren, Alexander and Citlali Hernandez; daughter Janie (Jim) Isch of Carmel, Indiana and her family, grandchildren, Melinda (Jon) Dietrich and Eric (Michelle) Isch and great grandchildren, Eliana, Nate, and Ryan Dietrich and Owen and Anna Isch; along with several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Violet TeRonde and Lillian Wittman; and a brother, John Dickman.
Alvina graduated from high school in Plymouth, Wisconsin in 1937. After her marriage, Chic’s career with Burlington Northern Railroad provided many moves. They lived in Chicago for four years, Burlington, Iowa for 16 years, St. Joseph, Missouri for 12 years, Kansas City, Missouri for two years, and then settled in Galesburg in 1972.
Alvina worked for Sears in the auditing department for 22 years. She retired in 1981. She was an active member of First Lutheran Church, where she belonged to the Women’s Circle. She was also a member of the Galesburg Women’s Club.
Alvina enjoyed playing golf and a night on the town line dancing with Chic. She was well known for her Bridge skills and enjoyed searching for recipes to entertain her friends on their game days. She was a fierce domino player against her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. She whole heartedly believed that a cookie for breakfast was the only way to start her day! Her laughter and sassy humor will be missed by all.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, February 13, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Pamela Marolla officiating. Private family burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church or Galesburg Rescue Mission. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
