'Our Favorite Warhead': Beloved Football Coach Remembered For Heart, Passion & Strength In Leadership

NEW LENOX, IL — All who knew him are mourning the death of a beloved football coach following a lengthy cancer battle.

Gerald "Jerry" Grohn died March 24. He was 68 years old.

"Coach Grohn" coached at Providence Catholic High School for more than 10 years, as assistant coach for the varsity team and, most recently, head junior varsity/sophomore coach. Grohn retired in November 2025.

In an obituary provided by family this week, Grohn is described as having "lived a life defined by passion, resilience, and an unwavering love for his family and football.

"Jerry’s legacy is one of strength, leadership, and heart," the obituary reads. "A lifelong football coach and mentor, he dedicated decades to the game he loved—coaching at the high school, semi-professional, and professional indoor levels, and even sharing his passion for American football internationally in Spain. For Jerry, the game was never just about plays or wins, but about building men, shaping character, and creating lifelong bonds. He proudly called his players his 'Warheads,' a name that symbolized toughness, unity, and pride—qualities he instilled in every team he led.

In a social media post sharing news of his death, the school lauded Grohn for his dedication to the sport and the athletes he led.

"For more than 40 years, more than 10 of them at PC, Coach Grohn dedicated his life to the game of football and, more importantly, to the young men he mentored," the school wrote. "His knowledge, leadership, and passion left a lasting impact not just on the field, but in the lives of countless athletes across the country and beyond."

Grohn was a member of the Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Mid-State Hall of Fame, the school shared, creating a legacy of "excellence, commitment, and heart. From De La Salle to Lockport, and most recently here at Providence Catholic, he built more than teams—he built a family."

Grohn guided athletes with passion and strength, building a sense of family among his teams. He led teams as a semi-pro football coach for the Palos/Orland Force, Indoor Professional Coach for the Chicago Slaughter, in Spain for the Villafranca Eagles, as well as coaching at DeLasalle, Andrew, Rich Central and Lockport high schools, a GoFundMe for the family reads.

"To Jerry, football was never just a game," his obituary reads. "It was family. It was discipline. It was a way to build character and connection that extended far beyond the field. His players became his extended sons, and his teams became lifelong brotherhoods."

Players last week remembered the role Grohn had played in their lives.

"He helped me believe in myself and taught me not to be so hard on myself. He taught me to be a Warhead, which was his saying," said senior Dom Kettwig, in a social media post shared by the school.

"Coach Grohn was someone you could just talk to; it didn't have to be about football or anything in particular, and he would listen," senior Gunnar Thormeyer added.

"I mentioned once that I liked vanilla Tootsie Rolls because he would carry some around, and the next day he gave me an entire bag of them—that's the type of man Coach Grohn was. A genuine man who would listen, someone to joke around with when practice got tough, and someone who would pay attention to others when we may not feel seen. I would give anything to go back and play for him again. I will truly miss having Coach Grohn in my life, as will many others in theirs."

Grohn is survived by his wife, Julie (McKnight) Grohn, with whom he shared a son, Brenden Gerald Grohn. Jerry also leaves behind his loving mother, Dolores “Dee” Grohn; his siblings, James Grohn, Linda Pickering, Laura Dominski, and Kathy (Tom) Faille; his cherished nieces and nephews, and "countless friends, players, and colleagues whose lives were profoundly touched by his presence."

In a GoFundMe for the family, friends described him as a "role model, a guiding force, and a lifelong friend.

"Jerry had a unique way of reaching people," organizers Michael Sanfratello and Dave Stolarek wrote. "He pushed kids to be their best, helping them believe in themselves both on and off the field. He knew how to be firm and disciplined, but he always found a way to bring laughter into the moment—a balance that made him unforgettable to everyone he coached."

Grohn was grounded by a deep love and strong sense of pride for his family.

"Jerry had an unwavering love for his family," the fundraiser organizers wrote. "They were his greatest pride and the center of his world."

Family also shared Grohn's love for his family in his obituary.

"Jerry’s greatest love was his family," the obituary reads. "He was Julie’s partner through life’s highest highs and hardest battles, and Brenden’s biggest fan, guiding him with strength, humor, and pride. Even during his illness, Jerry showed incredible resilience, continuing to fight with the same determination he brought to the sidelines every day of his life.

"Those who knew Jerry will remember his larger-than-life presence, his passion, his loyalty, and his ability to bring people together. He leaves behind not just memories, but a lasting legacy—one built on love, strength, and the countless lives he shaped along the way."

A celebration of life for Grohn will be held on Sunday, June 7, from 12 to 6 p.m. at Providence Catholic High School football field, where family, friends, and his football community will come together for Jerry’s final tailgate—"a true 'Warhead' gathering in honor of a man who gave so much to so many," his obituary reads.

Grohn's family invites those who knew and loved him to share memories, stories, and reflections. "Jerry’s life was defined by his deep love for his family and his passion for football—two things that shaped who he was and how he impacted others," family said. Help the family document his legacy by clicking here.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431,or to Providence Catholic High School, 1800 W. Lincoln Highway, New Lenox, IL 60451.

Read his full obituary online.