Brian Grau

Brian Alvin Grau

Loving Husband, Devoted Father, Coach and Friend.

April 5, 1968 – October 3, 2025

Brian Grau, 57, of St. Louis Missouri, passed away peacefully on the morning of October 3, 2025, with his wife Shelly by his side reading a daily devotion to him. Brian left this world just as he lived – surrounded by love, faith and family.

Born on April 5, 1968, to Alvin & the late Elizabeth (Schulz) Grau. Brian lived a life filled with energy, passion and purpose. He was a proud and protective father. Brian’s greatest joy was found watching Tyler and Brianna, grow, compete and succeed – both on and off the field. Whether cheering from the stands or coaching from the sidelines, Brian’s love for his children and for sports shone brightly.

As a coach, he left a lasting mark on many young athletes. He guided Tyler’s baseball, soccer and hockey teams. He also led Brianna’s soccer team to a CYC Championship title in 2016 as the head coach – a moment of deep pride for him and his family. Brian’s strategic mind, passion for the game and dedication to teaching life lessons through sports made him a mentor and role model to many.

Before coaching, Brian was an accomplished athlete himself. He played hockey for the St. Louis Jr. Blues and the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL, achieving an impressive 50 goals during the 1986-87 season with the Jr. Blues. Brian was known as a strong skater with a goal scoring touch around the net. Brian went on to play college hockey at St. Scholastica and Augsburg University where he met his wife Shelly in Minnesota. Brian’s love for the game remained a lifelong passion and a cherished part of his identity.

Professionally, Brian found success in sales, particularly during his 20+ years at Specialty Coffee Retailer Magazine. His charisma, drive and ability to connect with people earned him multiple Salesperson of the month awards and other recognition for his outstanding performance.

In recent years, Brian faced significant health challenges with courage and resilience. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2021, he endured a long and difficult battle. Despite the return of the illness in 2025 his faith, humor and devotion to his family never wavered.

Brian will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for the warmth, kindness and laughter he brought to everyone around him. He leaves behind his wife, Shelly; his children Tyler and Brianna; his father Alvin; and brother Terry. Brian is also survived by cousins, friends, teammates, and former youth players whose lives he impacted.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be held on October 27, 2025, at Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Home on Lemay Ferry Road from 5 - 7pm. A service to be led by Brian’s good friend and former Lutheran South Campus Pastor Ron Roma will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Cancer Support Community Greater St. Louis. In honor and memory of Brian’s lifelong dedication to youth sports and community.