Ronald Armin Grossmann

Ronald Armin Grossmann, 75, of Maumelle, passed away May 15. He was born October 24, 1941, in Chattanooga, TN, to Martha Engels Grossmann and Armin John Grossmann. His family moved to Detroit, Mich., where Ron graduated from Mumford High School in 1959. During his youth he was active in Christ Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church, which laid the foundation for his lifelong Christian faith. He often spoke of his "Ozzie and Harriet" childhood, the idyllic life he had growing up in Detroit in the 1950's, and he loved to tell his grandchildren that, as a 10-year-old, he was his local drugstore's yo-yo champion. In 1963 he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University where he was a member of Theta Chi. Thus began his lifelong devotion to his Spartan athletic teams. Shortly after graduation, he married Peggy Fallan, and together they raised their two beloved children, Angi and Tom. Ron enjoyed a successful career in retail management, a career that eventually led him to Arkansas in the late 1970's. When he retired, he settled comfortably into a routine of tennis two days a week, golf two days a week, and one day a week for other activities, most notably caring for his beautiful flowers. An avid gardener, his yard was always filled with a variety of colorful blooms. He enjoyed golf with his friends at Eagle Hill Golf and Athletic Club and made an amazing five holes in one over the course of 15 years. Equally special to him were the friends he made on the tennis courts of Otter Creek Racket Club. In 2003, he and Linda Watson Holt married at Henderson United Methodist Church, where Ron had been a longtime member, and their two families merged. Ron loved his blended family, and he and Linda were never happier than when they were entertaining their grandchildren. He was called Papa by some and Popcorn by others but was dearly loved by all of them. Instilled with a love of travel by his parents who always had a summer vacation, he continued the tradition with his children. After he and Linda married, he busily planned at least three trips a year. Europe was always a favorite, and they especially enjoyed Italy, France, and Germany, the home of his ancestors. In the 13 years they were married, he and Linda visited an amazing 43 states, as well as 24 European countries, Costa Rica, Canada, the Eastern Caribbean, Australia, and four countries in southern Africa. An Alaskan cruise in 2016 rounded out his visits to all 50 states. He and Linda loved to entertain, often having friends over to play bridge or enjoy a good meal. Holidays, especially Christmas, were huge reasons for celebration, and he made sure their home was fully decorated. An avid reader, his knowledge of history, current events, sports, and music was astounding. He and Linda passed many hours playing trivia games on long road trips, with Ron usually emerging the winner. His Christian faith, ever present, was demonstrated as he was a Sunday School teacher, small group leader, usher and mission volunteer at First United Methodist Church of Maumelle. When he was diagnosed with the cancer that would ultimately take his life, he looked at Linda and said, "I'm in a win/win situation. If, with treatment, I can extend my life, I win If I can't, I win because I will be in Heaven. There would have been no point in practicing Christianity my entire life if I got to this point and didn't believe that." Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Armin Grossmann, and his grandson, Michael Armin Orsini. He is survived by his wife, Linda Watson Grossmann, his children, Angela Grossmann Orsini (Alex) of Little Rock, and Tom Grossmann (Shari), of Acworth, Ga., Linda's children, Andrea Holt Jackson (Jim) of Mount Juliet, Tenn., and Kevin Holt (Shannon) of West Memphis, grandchildren, David, Jacob, and Noah Orsini, Aydan and Fallan Grossmann, Miranda and Bo Jackson, and Kaiden and Samantha Holt, his brother, Ken Grossmann (Pam) of Livonia, Mich., nephew, Jeff Grossmann (Kathie) of Roswell, GA, and niece, Paige Nicholson (Jeremy) of Plymouth, Mich., and the mother of his children, Peggy Cihi of Ft. Myers, Fla. A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and faithful friend, Ron could say without doubt, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7. A celebration of his life will be held at First United Methodist Church of Maumelle, 1201 Edgewood Dr., Maumelle, Saturday, May 20, at 10 a.m. with visitation immediately following in the family life center. Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Michael Armin Orsini Endowment, Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Way, slot 661, Little Rock, Ark. 72202 (be sure to include Orsini Endowment on the memo line of your check), First United Methodist Church of Maumelle, or the charity of your choice. Online guest book available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.