Bryan Joseph “BG” Grotewiel, 67, Rhineland, passed away on Sept. 30, 2026.
He was born on May 26, 1959, to the late Chester and Dolores (Eldringhoff) Grotewiel in Washington.
He was a hardworking and generous man who was always willing to help others.
Bryan worked as a gravedigger in the Rhineland and Hermann areas and could often be found mowing lawns or working in the woods.
He was a member of the Catholic faith.
Bryan was a talented basketball player during his years at Hermann High School. He also enjoyed watching old western movies, especially those starring John Wayne. Bryan was always early wherever he went, and had a playful sense of humor and loved joking with the people closest to him. When the weather turned cold, he met weekly to play Pinochle with the same group of friends he had played cards with for more than 40 years.
Bryan cherished the time he spent with his children and created memories they will carry with them always. He took Libby to the corner in Rhineland for Yoo-Hoo and ice cream sandwiches, and he coached Tyler’s little league team.
Deer camp was a lifelong tradition for Bryan, reaching back to his childhood. Each year, he welcomed friends and family into his home for a gathering they treasured even more than Christmas. His house was where they came together to hunt, share stories, and make memories—a tradition that meant as much to the people around him as it did to BG.
Above all, Bryan treasured his role as “Papa” to his grandchildren, Taylor, Tanner and Grant. He took them hunting, brought them along while he worked in the woods, and helped them raise hogs to show at the Montgomery County Fair. His grandchildren were the center of his world, and he was deeply proud of each of them. When Grant said, “See ya later, alligator,” BG answered, “After a while, crocodile.”
He was preceded in death by parents, Chester and Dolores; and brother, Michael Grotewiel.
Bryan is survived by children, Libby and Tyler Grotewiel; favorite daughter-in-law, Casey Grotewiel; grandchildren, Taylor, Tanner and Grant Grotewiel; sister, Annette Berkley and partner,Tom Kovac; brother, Steve Grotewiel and wife Joni; sister-in-law, Brenda Grotewiel; and nieces and nephews, Evan and Morgan Grotewiel, Lauren Salzman and Andy Lenger.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home in Hermann. Interment was in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Rhineland.
Memorial contributions suggested to the cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.”
— John Wayne
