Norman L. Groff, 98, of Galesburg, died at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, September 8, 2019, at Marigold Health Care Center and Rehab, Galesburg.
Norm was born October 19, 1920, in Hannibal, the son of Oley Oren and Belva Otho (Lee) Groff. He married Mary Kay Winters on June 30, 1947, in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on April 4, 2005. Norm is survived by one son, Michael (Joyce) Groff of Springfield; one daughter, Patricia (David) Bevard of Bolingbrook; three grandchildren, David (Melissa) Groff, Brian (Gina) Groff, and Keith (Lauren) Groff; and five great-grandchildren, Joseph, Caroline, Tim, Gavin, and Clara Jo Groff. Along with his wife and parents, Norm was preceded in death by one brother, Theodore Groff; and two sisters, Mary Wyant and Ann Hibbs.
Norm served in the Merchant Marines from 1943 to 1946, he then served a stint in the US Army from 1946 to 1947. Norm worked as a foreman at Butler Mfg. for 38 years, retiring in 1980. Norm was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Father J.O. Hunt Knights of Columbus Council 556, Ralph M. Noble American Legion, and the 40&8. Norm enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and gardening. He also loved to cook and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
The rosary will be prayed at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, with visitation following from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Funeral Mass will follow at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. The Rev. Deus-Dedit Byabato will officiate. Cremation rites will follow services. Private burial with military rites will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Alexis. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Costa Catholic Academy, or Woodridge Living Center. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
