"Paul was a good friend and ally. He was always there for me and handled everything with smile. I have many fond memories and I will miss him dearly. The world could use a lot more people like Paul. My sincere condolences to his wife Denise and all his family. "
In loving memory of
Paul Alfred Grogger
October 19, 1953 - April 26, 2020
Surrounded by the great love of his wife, children and grandchildren Paul Alfred Grogger, 66, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of April 26, 2020. Paul was born on October 19, 1953 in Belton, Missouri to Paul Alison and Mary Janelle (Wagner) Grogger. His early years were spent developing his lifelong love of baseball, fishing, animals, music and cooking. In 1983 he married the love of his life Denise, became an instant father of three, and the family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona. The blessing of their fourth child came in 1984. Paul loved his children deeply.
It was in Arizona that Paul was fully immersed into the culinary experience, opening exclusive golf clubs and working in fine dining establishments throughout the valley. In 1992, while still a full-time chef, Paul opened his own family catering business that would run through March of 2020! (What can I say, You can't keep a good man down!)
September of 2012 would bring a devastating blow to the family with his diagnosis of stage four lung cancer. With only 18 months given, Paul put everything he had into fighting this beast through his faith and nutrition. He was a believer in Christ. In May of 2017 Paul was blessed to be accepted to go on the annual Order of Malta's International Pilgrimage to Lourdes, France as a Malade. This trip was one of the many miracles Paul would experience during his journey and one that impacted Paul's journey in beautiful and at times unexplainable ways till God called him home. He understood the grace of his faith, he sought forgiveness, he shared the word of God with anyone who would listen, he gave back to those in need, and he lead his family on the right path. As a devout Catholic, Paul would spend the last several years of his life working on becoming the best version of himself, developing deep relationships and later mentoring to others through various men's groups.
His love for food and cooking compelled him to use his culinary experience to produce his beloved Carefree Spice Company in 2013. His goal being to educate others to the many benefits of nutrition and healing through nature. Faith, family and nutrition allowed Paul to be blessed with 6 bonus years to see his family grow and make memories to last them all a lifetime. For 7 1/2 long years, Paul fought incredibly hard and showed us all the true meaning of unwavering faith, strength and bravery throughout his journey. He was a true warrior.
Paul was also a skilled and intuitive musician and writer who played the guitar and cherished music. An impressionable gift he bestowed on all of his children. He was an incredible artist. Fishing and breeding championship hunting dogs were additional areas of expertise.
Paul was undeniably an exceptional and honorable man who will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends.
Paul is preceded in death by his mother, father and sister Dorothy Claus. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Denise, children, Ryan (Sarah) Grogger, Adrienne (Kolby) Farmer, Keith (Beth) Foster, Valerie (Samier) Jabbar, and his greatest joys- his many grandchildren and one great-granddaughter....Graham, Vivian, Leila, Treston, Elle, Sadie, Rane, Sofia, Mirah, Danielle, and Olivia. Paul is also survived by his dear sister Jo Ellen Claus of Belton, Missouri.
Those that love him will hold fast to one of his favorite words, "Believe". We believe we will be reunited in eternal life with our loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law, and friend.
Eternal rest grant unto Paul O Lord and May perpetual light shine upon him.
•The family anticipates to be able to host a "Celebration of Paul's Life" in October 2020.
Details to be announced at a later date.