Arthur Scott Grove, age 90, a longtime resident of Wheaton died Friday, May 27 at Windsor Park Manor in Carol Stream with the comforting presence of his daughter and son by his side. Scott was born on August 27, 1920 to Arthur and Bessie Grove in Wenatchee, Washington. He was raised in Wheaton and graduated from Wheaton High School.
Scott's military service to his country spanned 37 years. He was a veteran of World War II, serving 15 months in the Pacific Theatre. Following his World War II service, he was honorably discharged to reserve status on January 29, 1946. He was returned to active duty March 10, 1951 to July 12, 1952 during the Korean War and again October 28, 1962 to November 27, 1962 during the Cuban missile crisis. Scott had continuous active and reserve duty service from his enlistment on November 3, 1942 until his mandatory retirement on August 27, 1980 at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.
Scott was born into a U.S. Postal Service family so it was natural that he began work at the Wheaton Post Office soon after high school. It was on one of his mail routes that he met the love of his life and beautiful future wife, Helen, to whom he was thoroughly devoted. He rejoined the Wheaton Post Office after the end of the war and remained until retiring as Assistant Postmaster in 1976.
The love and respect for his country never left him. He truly was a part of the "Greatest Generation" and will be missed by all who knew him.
Scott attended the Wheaton Evangelical Free Church where he served as a greeter until his 90th birthday. Scott and Helen were charter members of the church's adult bible class, Kupples Klass.
After retiring, Scott became an avid bicyclist. Each summer he would easily surpass 1000 miles riding along the Illinois Prairie Path. He had many biking buddies and his children, grandchildren, and nephews loved to join him whenever possible. Bikes were brought from California, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin to ride the path with him.
Scott enjoyed gardening throughout much of his life. His spacious yard allowed for a large vegetable garden and many fruit trees. He continued caring for his yard himself up until last summer.
Scott began woodworking in high school. Each of his children has at least one item that he made during his high school years. He passed his love and expertise of this craft to his oldest son who continues making functional and artistic pieces.
Scott was preceded in death by his precious wife of 57 years, Helen (Oberg) and their treasured son, Jimmy. He is survived by two sons, Jerry (Lisa) Grove of Seaside, Oregon and Ronald (Timberlee) Grove of Waukesha, Wisconsin; two daughters, Vickie (David Ryan) Grove of Houston, Texas and Nancy (Gene) Mollenkamp of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren, Callyson and Breanna Grove and Andrew and Jolene Mollenkamp; three sisters, Phyllis Baker of Lakewood, California, Barbara Weir of Peachtree City, Georgia and Nancy Allen of Streator, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 3 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton and again on Saturday at Wheaton Evangelical Free Church, 520 E. Roosevelt Rd. in Wheaton from 9:00 am until the funeral service at 11:00 am.
Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.