Earl Sidney Grow, Jr.

Age 86, passed at home on July 14, 2021.

Earl is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Loretta Mulcahy Grow, his children Jennifer Grow (Chris Cahill) and Christopher (Melissa) Grow, grandchildren Owen, Nora, Aidan, and Finola Cahill and Alexander Grow, niece Kris Wenzel and nephew Mike Moum. He was preceded in death by his son Jonathan David Grow, his parents Earl Sidney Grow, Sr. and Elsa (nee Berkhahn) Grow, and his sister Betty Moum.

Earl was born in Shawano, Wisconsin, and was a graduate of Shawano High School. He graduated from UW-Stevens Point and earned a Ph.D. from UW-Madison. He was an Associate Professor of Mass Communication at UW-Milwaukee for 33 years. As a founding member of UWM’s Mass Communication Department, he taught more than 10,000 students in his signature class, “Mass Comm 151.” He also served as Department Chair for many years and taught for two semesters at the University of London as part of the American Institute for Foreign Study program. When he retired in 1998, his students created “Earlfest,” a celebration of his teaching, and he was also recognized by state and local government officials. After retirement, Earl continued to share his love of radio history with senior citizen students at the Osher Lifelong Learning Program, traveled extensively with Loretta, and enjoyed countless hours with his family and friends.

Throughout his life, Earl was generous to dozens of charities. He cared deeply about making the world better for future generations.

Memorials in his name can be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Make-a-Wish Wisconsin, or a charity of choice that addresses social justice, inequality, or environmental issues.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 25, 2021, at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1:45 PM.