Mpls - Peter Joseph Grochal, 32, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, at Our Lady of Peace Hospice Center. He was battling a brain tumor, which had developed into leptomeningal disease two months ago. A Celebration of Life service will take place at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Sanctuary Building, 900 Stillwater Rd, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 on October 10, at 11am with visitation an hour prior.

Born on June 19, 1993, Peter Joseph Grochal grew up in southwest Minneapolis, attending Carondelet Catholic School for elementary, and DeLaSalle High School. He also attended the San Francisco Art School and City College of San Francisco from 2011 to 2016, where he received his associate degree in History of Art, further developing his interests in photography and graphic art.

Peter loved his family and friends, music, cycling, his pets, meaningful conversations, a good laugh, and great food. While in San Francisco, he worked at Ben and Jerry's at the wharf, and after returning to Minneapolis, at Harriet Brewing Company, as a bartender and sales associate. He also had a lifelong passion for video games, eventually working as Associate Project Lead for QA at Activision. He was passionate, empathetic, and open. He made friends easily, and warmed the hearts of those who spent time with him.

Peter's life has blessed us. He will continue to watch over us and guide us, to be the change we want to see, doing what needs to be done with wisdom and strength. Peter is survived by his mother (Janice), father (James), brother (Elliot), sister (Adela), partner (Camela), Meema (Jeannette), dogs (Raz and Dima), and cat (Poppy).

We are asking people to wear their favorite "social justice" shirt to Peter's Celebration of Life service. Peter embraced and lived out the words from Representative John Lewis, "Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year; it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble."

We'd like to thank Our Lady of Peace Hospice, St. Paul, MN for providing incredible care for his last days, and encourage supporting this organization: https://ourladyofpeacemn.org/donate/