Russell Groppel Obituary

Russell Edward Groppel, 84, passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side on Friday, February 7, 2025. Born on November 11, 1940, to Francis and Marie Groppel of Jerseyville, Illinois, he graduated from Jerseyville High School and served as a Military Policeman in Germany with the U.S. Army. Throughout his career, Russell worked at Tri-City, Chemetco, Olin, and at the convent for the Sisters of St. Francis of our Martyr St. George in Alton, IL, before retiring in 2004.
An active member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey, Russell was involved with the Knights of Columbus, the funeral ministry, and served as a Eucharistic minister.
Russell is survived by his wife, Janice Beachum Groppel of Godfrey; children, David (Karen) Groppel of Minnesota, Stephen (Cari) Groppel of Wisconsin, Kevin (Christina) of Ohio, and Keith (Piper) Groppel of Indiana; Bruce (Debbie) Beachum, and Mike (Alison) Beachum; a brother John (Judy) Groppel of Jerseyville; 16 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Russell was known for his kindness, hard work, and unwavering faith, cherishing his family and leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Marie Groppel; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Earl and Evelyn Proctor; father and mother-in-law Clement and Helen Duello; his first wife, Kathleen (Duello) Groppel; sisters-in-law Sue Duello and Sister Cecilianne Duello; and brother-in-law Daniel Proctor.
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 15th from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey, IL, with Fr. Steve Janoski officiating.
A livestream of the funeral mass will be available to watch through St. Ambrose Facebook page at:
Burial will take place at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Godfrey, IL.
Memorials may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey, IL.
Additional funeral information and an online guest book are available at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell, please visit our floral store.