Willard R. Groth

Funeral services for Willard Robert Groth, 92, of Hoyt Lakes will be 11am Friday, September 30, 2016 at the Faith Lutheran Church in Hoyt Lakes with Pastor Barbara Hegfors officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Military honors accorded by the Aurora-Hoyt Lakes Color Guard. Inurnment will be in the Hoyt Lakes Memorial Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. Willard died Friday, September 23, 2016 at St. Raphael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Eveleth. Willard was born on March 30, 1924 to Ephraim and Ellen (Claypoole) Groth in Amor, MN. He grew up in Otter Tail County. His family purchased a dairy farm near Puposky, MN. Willard helped his father on the farm until he enlisted in the US Army. Willard served his country during WWII in the 10th Mountain Division where he was shot and injured in Italy. Willard was awarded the Purple Heart. When he returned home, Willard took over the family farm upon the death of his father. On October 4, 1949 Willard was united in marriage to Barbara Folkert in Puposky. In 1957, the family moved to Hoyt Lakes. Willard was employed by Erie Mining until his retirement in 1986. Willard was an active member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Hoyt Lakes. He enjoyed camping with his family, gardening, and his walks with Barbara or Gene Henry. Mostly, Willard loved his family and took the greatest pleasure in spending time with them, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include his five children: Twila (Bill) Arola of Zimmerman, MN, Joy (Kim) Norman of Aurora, Susan (Bob) Marley of Black Canyon City, AZ, Kevin (Anita Beauregard) Groth of Hoyt Lakes, and Laurie (Karl) Royseth of St. Michael, MN; eight grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; his one brother: Stanley Groth of Rio Nido, CA; and brother-in-law: Bud (Joanne) Folkert of Browerville, MN; as well as several cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; grandson, Derek Poye; nephew and niece, Stan Jr. and Carol Groth; and his parents.