Howard Frank Grotzke, 83, 36-year resident of Oak Harbor, died at Whidbey Island Manor on Monday, March 25, 2002.

Mr. Grotzke was born in Sturgis, S.D., on March 21, 1919, to Frank A. Grotzke and Alla Mae (Ramsay) Grotzke. He spent his early years in Sturgis, moving to Idaho as a teenager. Following high school graduation, he joined the U.S. Army, serving during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant, and was a recipient of the Purple Heart, having been wounded in France.

He was married to Phosa Marie Smith in Thompson Falls, Mont., in 1946. They moved to Oak Harbor in 1965. Mr. Grotzke was employed as a fireman for the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station Fire Department. He loved bowling and baseball. He belonged to the VFW Post No. 7392 and the American Legion Post No. 129.

Mr. Grotzke is survived by his wife Marie at home; one son, Gary Grotzke and wife Susan of Sedro-Woolley; one daughter, Shannon McDowell of Oak Harbor; 11 grandchildren, Eric Grotzke and wife Kim of Tacoma; Jeffrey Grotzke of Portland, Ore.; Kirk, Sarah and Stephanie Grotzke, all of Bellingham; Deborah, Michael, Karl and Kylie Grotzke, all of Sedro-Woolley; Nichole Rojas and husband Victor and Brent McLaughlin, all of Oak Harbor; three great-grandchildren, Breanna Roderos and Alisia and Katelynn Rojas. He was preceded in death by one son, Ronald Grotzke in 1988 and by two brothers.

In keeping with his wishes, no service will be held. Arrangements are by Burley Funeral Chapel.