Joseph Warden Grother

Joe Grother finished his round on November 4, 2022, surrounded by most of his fan club. Joe ended his career having not lost a ball in over 20 years. Joe also has the record for most years without hitting a ball further than 20 yards, but those two accomplishments are in no way related.

Joseph Warden Grother’s story started on the eastside of Des Moines on January 9, 1948. Joe graduated from East High School and joined the Air Force where he served as a firefighter for 6 years. In the Air Force, Joe visited exotic places like Thailand, England, and southeast Illinois. Joe married Debra VanderWaal on September 11, 1968 and began the next chapter of his life as a husband and father.

Joe and Debra had 3 children and he never called them by anything other than the nicknames he gave them. Scott (Franklin) was born in 1973, Andy (Panda) in 1975, and Melissa (Pucker) in 1981. Joe served as father, coach, mentor, friend, protector, and source of strength to his children. Joe’s biggest regret was that he was not able to pass his love of Merle Haggard on to his children.

It was in his final role that Joe found his true calling, that of a grandfather. Although he was known for his humility, Joe was not shy about saying that he was a damn good grandpa. Joe had 5 grandchildren, Kaylee, Ryan, Paul, Abbigail, and Chloe. If grandchildren are any indication of a person’s greatness, then Joe was truly a great man. Through them, his compassion, humor, willingness to help, and funky dance moves will live on.

Joe is survived by his wife, Debra; sons, Scott (Sherry Thien) and Andy (Michelle Law Grother); daughter, Melissa, and 5 grandchildren.

Services will be held at Hamilton’s Southtown, 5400 SW 9th St in Des Moines on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. with visitation prior from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the family and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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