Dolores Jean “Lori” Grothaus lived a life defined by faith, resilience, and deep love for her
family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and businesswoman whose quiet strength and gracious spirit touched all who knew her.
Lori was born on April 5, 1930, in Holstein, Iowa, to Erich and Edna Lemke. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Dean Lemke; her sister, Joelle “Babe” Hoops; and her beloved husband, Victor Gene Grothaus.
She is survived by her brother, Delaine “Bud” Lemke; her daughters, Ann (Kim) Hunt and Jean Finegan; her grandchildren, Patrick (Jennifer) Finegan and Megan (Collin) Martin; and her great-grandchildren: Eliana and David, Walker and Charlie.
Lori passed peacefully into eternal life on April 26, 2026.
Those who knew Lori experienced firsthand a life beautifully lived. She embodied grace,
patience, humility, and generosity in ways both seen and unseen. She taught life lessons not through words, but through the way she lived her life each day.
She grew up in Holstein, Iowa often helping at her family’s grocery store. A gifted student, Lori excelled in academics, athletics, music, and theater. She attended Wartburg College, where she was a member of the Wartburg Choir, traveling throughout the state to perform.
Lori met the love of her life, Victor Gene Grothaus, while he was in Holstein for business. They were married on September 23, 1956, and built a life in Kingsley, Iowa. Together they established Grothaus Express, along with a moving company, creating a successful enterprise and a home filled with love.
Their life changed forever when Vic died tragically in a car accident on September 19, 1973.
With remarkable courage, Lori continued to lead the business during a time when women rarely held such roles, especially in the transportation industry. After four years, she sold the company and returned to her previous line of work as a paralegal for Kindig and Beebe in Sioux City, Iowa.
In 1981, Lori began a new chapter when she moved to Denver, Colorado, a place she had long loved, having spent her honeymoon and many family vacations there. What began as a fresh start became 45 cherished years surrounded by her growing family.
Her home was a place of warmth where holidays were celebrated, traditions created, and meals were shared with love. Lori had a gift for making each person feel special, often remembering favorite dishes and the smallest details. Whether hosting family dinners, cheering from the sidelines of her grandchildren’s lives, or simply spending time together, she made every moment count.
She embraced life in Colorado, enjoying golf, skiing, and cheering on the Denver Nuggets. More than any activity, it was time with her family that brought her the greatest joy.
Lori loved deeply and gave generously. She served her church community with quiet devotion. The traditions she created and the memories she made will live on through the generations who were blessed to know her.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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