Bryan Joseph “BG” Grotewiel, of Rhineland, passed away on September 30, 2026, at the age of 67. He was born on May 26, 1959, in Washington (Franklin County) to Chester and Dolores (Eldringhoff) Grotewiel.
Bryan was a hardworking and generous man who was always willing to help others. He 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 talented basketball player during his years at Hermann High School. Bryan also enjoyed watching old Western movies, especially those starring John Wayne. He was always early wherever he went. He 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.”
Bryan is survived by his children, Libby Grotewiel and Tyler Grotewiel; his favorite daughter-in-law, Casey Grotewiel; his grandchildren, Taylor, Tanner and Grant Grotewiel; his sister, Annette Berkley, and her partner, Tom Kovac; his brother, Steve Grotewiel, and Steve’s wife, Joni Grotewiel; his sister-in-law, Brenda Grotewiel; and his nieces and nephews, Evan Grotewiel, Lauren Salzman, Morgan Grotewiel, and Andy Lenger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Dolores Grotewiel, and his brother, Michael Grotewiel.
Bryan was a member of the Catholic faith.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on Oct. 2 at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home in Hermann, where funeral services will be held the following day at 10 a.m.
Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Rhineland. Memorial donations may be given to the cemetery.
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” — John Wayne
