Arlene Marie Grockau

Arlene M Grockau

TRAVERSE CITY - Arlene Marie Grockau, 61, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly at the Rapid City Regional Health Care Center in Rapid City, SD.

Arlene was born on Thursday, June 25, 1953 to Curt H. and Marjorie Ann (Malleis) Matzke. Arlene was a Detroit girl through and through, never wavering in her love for anything associated with the city, including the Tigers, Mo-Town music and the likes. Following her graduation from high school, she continued her education, earning a Bachelors Degree in business from Ferris State University. On Friday March 20, 1981, in Dearborn, she married Kurt H. Grockau.

Arlene was a Human Resources Specialist for Grand Traverse County and was a member of the Traverse Area Human Resource Association. She loved everything athletic. An avid softball player, she played in high school; was an all star pitcher and played on many intramural teams as she progressed through college. She played softball up until a few years ago on local teams. Arlene was very family oriented and enjoyed every moment she could spend with her children and grandchildren. Kris and Rachelle's friends also considered her Mom. She always made time to be at her children's events as well as her grandson Kane's t-ball games. She was very resourceful, always thought of others first and was the first to give you the shirt off her back. She had the gift of encouraging others - she was the rock... and the referee. She cherished her friendships, especially with her "girl friends" and loved their weekend get-togethers.

Arlene is survived by her husband Kurt, her children, Kristopher (Nikki Ankney) of Traverse City and Rachelle (Shaun Hubbell) Grockau of Traverse City; her two grandsons, Kane and Shay and one grandson to arrive in December; her mother and stepfather, Marjorie A. and Robert McKeown of Detroit, her siblings, David Matzke of Westland and Roger Matzke of Strongsville, OH. She has several nieces and nephews who survive and were dear to her heart. Arlene was preceded in death b her father Curt Matzke and her father and mother in law Harold and Margaret Grockau.

Visitation for Arlene will begin at 12 noon Sunday, Sept. 14 at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home followed by her service at 2 p.m. Pastor Justin Grimm will officiate. Burial will be in Coldsprings Twp Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a fund for the grandchildren.

Please share your memories, thoughts and photos with the family by way of her on-line guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .