04/06/2026
What heavy heart The Friends of the Peters Planetarium have for the recent passing of Roger Grossenbacher, unofficial planetarium emeritus of the Peters Planetarium. Starting in 1971, Roger began his carreer at Lancaster High School teaching science and soon directing planetarium programs. His support of the planetarium over the years both while teaching and later as a private citizen was truly anazing. Please see his obituary and link below.
Also, consider donating to the Peters Planetarium Preservation Fund at: https://fairfieldcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2815
Roger W. Grossenbacher
March 3, 1939 — March 26, 2026
Lancaster
Roger W. Grossenbacher, 87, of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away on March 26, 2026. Born in Lodi, Ohio, he was the son of the late Woodrow and Frieda Grossenbacher.
Roger lived a life defined by boundless curiosity, a deep love of the natural world, and an unwavering commitment to sharing knowledge with anyone willing to learn. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physics and Math from Case Western Reserve University, laying the foundation for a career devoted to education and discovery.
During his studies at Case Western, Roger worked at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Greenbank, West Virginia. Later, he worked at the Van Vleck Observatory in Middletown, Connecticut and on Mauna Kea in Hilo, Hawaii. Roger went on to become a beloved teacher, coach (In the Know and Science Olympiad), and Planetarium Director at Lancaster High School, where he spent decades inspiring young minds and nurturing a lasting sense of wonder in his students. Along the way, Roger was recognized as a Jennings Scholar for his outstanding teaching.
His hobbies and interests were vast: painting, drawing, photography, enjoying bluegrass and classical music, watching Cleveland baseball and basketball, geology, botany, entomology, travel, camping, hiking, climbing, carpentry, model-building, and aviation. Always active, Roger was devoted to volunteering in the community through the Boy Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity, Lancaster Parks and Recreation, and Columbus Metro Parks. He led the effort to have signs installed recognizing the Grace Ray Moon Arboretum at Lancaster High School.
Roger is survived by his loving wife, Sally; his son, John (Angie), and his grandsons, Elliott and Alexander of Galena, Ohio.
Family and friends may visit Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 in the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, 405 N. Columbus St. Lancaster, OH 43130. A private family service will be held at a later date. Caring Cremation® has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice, FAIRHOPE Hospice and Palliative Care (fairhopehospice.org), or Lancaster Parks and Recreation.
To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Roger W. Grossenbacher, please visit our flower store.
https://www.funeralhome.com/obituaries/roger-grossenbacher
View Roger W. Grossenbacher's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.
