Michael Groshek

Mike Groshek died October 23rd at home, encircled by his loving family. He was born in Flint, Michigan to Michael J. and Pauline (Ignash) Groshek. Raised in the heart of “Vehicle City,” he treasured his Polish roots and traditions. Sports were his passion: football, baseball, and especially basketball. His parents had limited school opportunities, but Mike learned the importance of hard work and value of education. He attended college on a basketball scholarship, graduating from Regis University in Denver in 1953.

Drafted into the Army and shipped to Korea, Mike served 9 months and saw the end of the war. He graduated from Georgetown Law School in 1958 (GI Bill). A blind date with Ann Horbett was followed a year later (!) by a 2nd date; Mike and Ann were married September 6, 1958. They moved to Denver, where Mike had found work with the law firm now known as Sherman and Howard; he celebrated the job offer by spending his last dime on an egg sandwich.

Mike’s knowledge of public finance was renowned. Colleagues recalled being “Groshek-ed” – i.e., being kindly and thoroughly corrected when they made an error. Mike retired in 2018, after 60 years with the same firm. For decades, he was known as the man who climbed the stairs (25+ flights) every morning to his office. Basketball faded, but tennis became his sport; he prized the friendly competition until age 85.

Mike and Ann welcomed 4 children: Mark, Barbara, Paul, and Mary. Ann chose raising the children over a career, and Mike was always grateful for this. Adventures abounded, including all 4 kids simultaneously riding “horsey” on Dad’s back and annual 2-week camping trips (who knew Mike and Ann survived in part because of a hidden bottle of bourbon?!).

Later, 7 grandchildren came on the scene; Mike deliberately cultivated a special relationship with each one, something they all cherish. He had a 16th birthday lunch with each, where he depicted the unfolding of a life (his), and how it was guided to success and happiness by love, hard work, and the kindness of others. He had deep pride in his accomplishments, but wielded it with humility and gratitude.

We love and miss Mike, Dad, Dziadz; he taught us to embrace learning (“I read in the Atlantic the other day…”), to live with humor (he was the prototype Dad of “dad jokes”), to watch and shake our heads over the Broncos. He was endlessly proud of his children and grandchildren, of their uniqueness and achievements. He was an engaging conversationalist, always interested in peoples’ stories and points of view. His memory was uncanny. He was generous. His skill in hiding Easter eggs was unmatched. He loved travel, chocolate mint ice cream, the Churchill book club, the Expanders, polka and classical music (especially opera). We laughed with you Dziadz, and you mentored us. You were a true gentleman.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, and siblings Madeleine Harahan and Norm Groshek. He is survived by his loving and adventurous wife, Ann Groshek; children Mark Groshek (Carl Clark), Barbara Ver Steeg (Jeff), Paul Groshek (Melissa), and Mary Burns (Ken); grandchildren Nathaniel Ver Steeg, Cameron Groshek, Georgia Chesire (Alec), Andrew Ver Steeg, Julia Burns, William Groshek, and Brett Burns; brother Richard Groshek and sister-in-law Pat Groshek; and nieces, nephews, and their families.

Funeral Mass will be held November 15, 10:30 am, at Christ the King Church, 830 Elm St, Denver (service will be live streamed – please see the link below); reception follows. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Regis University or Samaritan House.