Obituary for Eugene D. Groeschel
Eugene Donahue “Gene” Groeschel
Eugene “Gene” Groeschel sought beauty throughout his life in the natural world, in his music and in the people he loved.
As a young boy, he was entranced by the flight of birds, which became a lifelong pursuit as an avid bird watcher, skydiver (350+ jumps), and pilot. A beautiful cloud-filled day was always an opportunity to take flight.
With a passion to explore more of the natural world, Gene traded in his parachute for backpacking gear, recording equipment and a camera. For almost two years he backpacked throughout North and South America, following the beauty of the moment. A self-taught photographer, Gene’s photos were published in Natural History magazine, documenting for the first time white-collared swifts flying through waterfalls in southern Mexico.
Settling in Corrales, NM for nine years, Gene began his woodworking career creating Southwestern furniture and cabinetry. His admiration of the Native American culture there led to his life-long interest in playing Native American flutes. In 1988, combining the music of songbirds with the unique sound of his flute, Gene released, Hawk Eyes Dreaming. For over 20 years, he shared his flute and kalimba at the Winter Solstice services held by the Unitarian Universalist Church, Lancaster.
Fulfilling an enduring dream, Gene again picked up his backpack, camera and recording equipment and headed to Fiji, where he was invited to live among the inhabitants of the small outer island of Dravuni. For over a month he participated in the village life, spear-fishing excursions and the construction of thatched huts; to later sit in the evening among the locals partaking in the ritual of drinking kava and making music. He ended this dream journey in Australia, backpacking the rain forests and recording the exotic birds and animals found there.
In 1990, Gene was invited to join annual expeditions to Vancouver, Canada with Interspecies Communications, to interface with orca whales migrating along the Johnstone Strait. Filmed by the ABC network, Gene played flute to the orca via underwater hydrophones or from kayaks floating among the whales, recording their responding songs and interactions.
Returning to Pennsylvania, Gene met his life-partner and beloved wife, Diane. Finally settling down in Lancaster County on a small patch of heaven along the Conestoga River, together they created a refuge focused on planting countless indigenous trees and shrubs to support the local birds, bees and wildlife. Bordering that “water highway” inspired numerous canoeing and kayaking excursions. Fellow nature lovers both, they continued to explore the world hiking, sailing, skiing, wilderness backpacking, and scuba diving.
A true Renaissance man, Gene further refined his woodworking skills while employed for over 20 years with Morton Fine Furniture, Lititz, where he created beautiful pieces of art for his customers, as well as his own home.
An avid reader, Gene later found joy in sharing his own queries through his essays and journaling. His greatest happiness, however, was sharing precious time with his loved ones.
He absolutely loved and was dearly loved by his family. He is survived by his wife, Diane Grant; brother Paul Groeschel of Huntersville, NC; sisters Joy Ritchey of Kailua, HI, Elaine Mills of Irasburg, VT, Carol Groeschel of Geneva, Switzerland, Susan Lovelette of Bryan, TX, and Barbara Girard of Goffstown, NH; 23 nieces and nephews; 33 great-nieces and nephews; and his “brother from another mother” childhood friend, Todd Whitmer. He was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Ann Fretel.
Born in Lancaster, PA, he was the son of Paul Robert John Groeschel and Elizabeth Donahue Groeschel, the fifth of eight siblings.
A graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, Gene later received a degree in Business Administration at Saint Joseph’s College, FL and continued studies in Forestry at Colorado State University, CO. In the midst of his education, he served in the US Marine Corp in the Vietnam War, a Purple Heart veteran.
At 75, Gene left this earthly life peacefully on Saturday morning, September 16, 2023, at the Mt. Joy Hospice and Community Care Center, concluding a wonderfully active and fulfilling life. He is dearly missed by so many.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lancaster County Conservancy, 117 S. West End Ave., Suite 7, Lancaster, PA 17603 .
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in the spring, Gene’s favorite time of the year.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.
Eugene “Gene” Groeschel sought beauty throughout his life in the natural world, in his music and in the people he loved.
As a young boy, he was entranced by the flight of birds, which became a lifelong pursuit as an avid bird watcher, skydiver (350+ jumps), and pilot. A beautiful cloud-filled day was always an opportunity to take flight.
With a passion to explore more of the natural world, Gene traded in his parachute for backpacking gear, recording equipment and a camera. For almost two years he backpacked throughout North and South America, following the beauty of the moment. A self-taught photographer, Gene’s photos were published in Natural History magazine, documenting for the first time white-collared swifts flying through waterfalls in southern Mexico.
Settling in Corrales, NM for nine years, Gene began his woodworking career creating Southwestern furniture and cabinetry. His admiration of the Native American culture there led to his life-long interest in playing Native American flutes. In 1988, combining the music of songbirds with the unique sound of his flute, Gene released, Hawk Eyes Dreaming. For over 20 years, he shared his flute and kalimba at the Winter Solstice services held by the Unitarian Universalist Church, Lancaster.
Fulfilling an enduring dream, Gene again picked up his backpack, camera and recording equipment and headed to Fiji, where he was invited to live among the inhabitants of the small outer island of Dravuni. For over a month he participated in the village life, spear-fishing excursions and the construction of thatched huts; to later sit in the evening among the locals partaking in the ritual of drinking kava and making music. He ended this dream journey in Australia, backpacking the rain forests and recording the exotic birds and animals found there.
In 1990, Gene was invited to join annual expeditions to Vancouver, Canada with Interspecies Communications, to interface with orca whales migrating along the Johnstone Strait. Filmed by the ABC network, Gene played flute to the orca via underwater hydrophones or from kayaks floating among the whales, recording their responding songs and interactions.
Returning to Pennsylvania, Gene met his life-partner and beloved wife, Diane. Finally settling down in Lancaster County on a small patch of heaven along the Conestoga River, together they created a refuge focused on planting countless indigenous trees and shrubs to support the local birds, bees and wildlife. Bordering that “water highway” inspired numerous canoeing and kayaking excursions. Fellow nature lovers both, they continued to explore the world hiking, sailing, skiing, wilderness backpacking, and scuba diving.
A true Renaissance man, Gene further refined his woodworking skills while employed for over 20 years with Morton Fine Furniture, Lititz, where he created beautiful pieces of art for his customers, as well as his own home.
An avid reader, Gene later found joy in sharing his own queries through his essays and journaling. His greatest happiness, however, was sharing precious time with his loved ones.
He absolutely loved and was dearly loved by his family. He is survived by his wife, Diane Grant; brother Paul Groeschel of Huntersville, NC; sisters Joy Ritchey of Kailua, HI, Elaine Mills of Irasburg, VT, Carol Groeschel of Geneva, Switzerland, Susan Lovelette of Bryan, TX, and Barbara Girard of Goffstown, NH; 23 nieces and nephews; 33 great-nieces and nephews; and his “brother from another mother” childhood friend, Todd Whitmer. He was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Ann Fretel.
Born in Lancaster, PA, he was the son of Paul Robert John Groeschel and Elizabeth Donahue Groeschel, the fifth of eight siblings.
A graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, Gene later received a degree in Business Administration at Saint Joseph’s College, FL and continued studies in Forestry at Colorado State University, CO. In the midst of his education, he served in the US Marine Corp in the Vietnam War, a Purple Heart veteran.
At 75, Gene left this earthly life peacefully on Saturday morning, September 16, 2023, at the Mt. Joy Hospice and Community Care Center, concluding a wonderfully active and fulfilling life. He is dearly missed by so many.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lancaster County Conservancy, 117 S. West End Ave., Suite 7, Lancaster, PA 17603 .
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in the spring, Gene’s favorite time of the year.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.