Pastor Mark Groves

Pastor Mark Allan Groves, 64, died at home in Brenham, TX on Sunday, September 24, 2023.

Born on October 31, 1958, in Freeport, IL, son of Walter and Geraldine Groves. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Randy, Terry, and David, as well as his uncle, Wayne.

Mark married the love of his life, Debbie, on June 9, 1978, and began a 45-year journey of love and service to each other. Together they shared a deep and loving bond, each willing to sacrifice and care for the other.

Mark was a graduate of Freeport High School; following high school, Mark graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, IL, and became the youngest licensed funeral director in IL at the time. He and Debbie moved to Dixon, IL in 1985, where he began a long and dedicated service to his community while working at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home. Mark followed God’s call to service again and began work at Immanuel Lutheran Church before moving to Wartburg Theological Seminary in 1998, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 2002. Mark’s first call was in Monaca, PA, where he served the congregation at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer until 2008. His second call was to build a growing faith community at New Life Lutheran Church in Sergeant Bluff, IA. This was followed by his final calling in Brenham, TX, at Christ Lutheran Church, from 2011 to present. Mark passionately believed and trusted the call process, putting his faith in God to put him where he was needed and guide him to service anywhere in the world.

Mark was deeply dedicated to service and saw Christ in everyone, especially those least likely to see Christ in themselves. He served in many communities through Alcoholics Anonymous, Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, and projects like Water to Thrive. Through this service, he always aimed to teach others to do the same and grew a community of people willing to do Christ’s work. Mark was known for speaking his mind, advocating for what he believed was right, and challenging people to have deeper faith and love. He challenged any convention that wasn’t based in the love and grace of Jesus Christ. He loved his family and was so proud of his family’s history of service. He also found happiness in painting and the best baseball team in the world, the Chicago Cubs.

Mark’s timeless presence will live on in his beloved wife, Debbie; a daughter, Kim Nemier and her husband Eli, their daughters Grace, Madeleine, and Elizabeth; son, Devin Groves and his wife Cassie of Newport, KY; and sister Robin Stykel of Florida. He is also fondly remembered by his extended family, Colleen, Scott, Sue, Jason, Sarah, Patrick, Kyle, Jason, Stephen, Michael, Evan, Steve, Kristi, Colter, and Zachary.

A visitation will be held at Brenham Memorial Chapel on Monday, October 2 from 5-7 pm. A memorial service will be at Christ Lutheran Church in Brenham on Tuesday, October 3 at 11 am; the service will be followed by a luncheon at the church hall.

“Christ is everything and he is in everything.” Colossians 3:11.

As we honor Mark’s remarkable life, we take comfort in knowing that he is now in the presence of his Heavenly Father. Mark’s memory, filled with laughter, kindness, compassion, adventure, grace, and gratitude, will forever remain in the hearts of his loved ones and those who were fortunate to have known him.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.