thetorch Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis University mourns the loss of longtime team chaplain Fr. Eugene Grollmes, S.J., who passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2014, at the age of 82. “Father Grollmes was a treasure to our department and all of Saint Louis University,” SLU director of athletics Chris May said. “You will not find a more passionate Billiken fan. He truly was a remarkable human being, someone who mentored many Billiken student-athletes and staff during his time here. Father Grollmes will be sorely missed.” Visitation will be Monday, July 28, from 5 – 7 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier College Church on the University campus. A funeral mass is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday. Burial will be Tuesday, July 29, at 9 a.m. at Calvary cemetery. A SLU graduate, Father Grollmes was named the program’s first-ever team chaplain in 1990. A native of Seneca, Kan., he earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Letters from SLU in 1957. His post-graduate studies included stops at Boston College and Harvard. In 1974, he was named assistant dean at the College of Arts and Sciences and has remained at SLU ever since, filling a variety of roles. As chaplain of the department of athletics, Father Grollmes helped mentor thousands of Billiken student-athletes by providing counseling, assisting in their academic development and providing a Jesuit presence in the department of athletics. When the department of athletics honored Father Grollmes at a men’s basketball game during the 2012-13 season, he mentioned his favorite memories of men’s basketball came during his undergraduate days. He specifically enjoyed watching his favorite coach Eddie Hickey coach against Oklahoma State’s Henry Iba in Missouri Valley Conference play. Father Grollmes’ all-time favorite players included Ed Macauley and Bob Ferry. Affectionately known by many Billiken student-athletes and staff as simply “Father G,” Father Grollmes was a recognizable figure at Billiken basketball games in his seat on the end of the Billiken bench. In addition, he would join the team in the locker room for the post-game talk. Father Grollmes was an internationally known author of more than 25 books, magazine articles and book reviews. He is also a poet of more than 1,500 poems. He authored At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C.: Between the Lines, a book of poetry inspired by Father Grollmes’ 1982 visit to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. He truly walked in God's path. He will be sadly missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonwich Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 From Twitter: Erwin Claggett @CoachClagg13 30m I remember Father G sitting on the end of the bench cheering on a skinny kid from Venice Illinois. He was and always will be a Billiken. Erwin Claggett @CoachClagg13 26m As a Freshman going through a 5-23 season at SLU Father G was undoubtedly our biggest supporter and fan and we loved him for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thetorch Posted July 24, 2014 Author Share Posted July 24, 2014 Kramer Soderberg @CoachKramer_LU 18m RIP Father G...was privileged 2 get 2 know him. He was a constant source of support 2 our family during our good & bad times @SLU_Billikens Christian Salecich @salecich15 34m RIP to Father Grollmes... Such a happy and positive man. You will be missed http://www.slubillikens.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209601215&DB_OEM_ID=27200 … Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizziken Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Terrible news. He will certainly be missed. Such a nice, nice man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old guy Posted July 25, 2014 Share Posted July 25, 2014 May he rest in peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billikenfan05 Posted July 25, 2014 Share Posted July 25, 2014 What a bummer... It was always a pleasure to see him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JettFlight5 Posted July 25, 2014 Share Posted July 25, 2014 He's going to be with his Savior full-time now. Rest in Peace, Father. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowboy Posted July 25, 2014 Share Posted July 25, 2014 -rest in peace, Father -Thank You for you service to Saint Louis University Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBand Posted July 28, 2014 Share Posted July 28, 2014 From Twitter- Down Under: Cody Ellis @codyellis24 · Jul 25 Cant even think of words to describe this man..I miss you every day Father!! http://instagram.com/p/q478U6GfKW/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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