Clarence F. Groth, 97, of rural Elkport died at Mercy One Hospital in Elkader on Saturday, March 20, 2021. Clarence was born on September 6, 1923 to Susanna Helen (Hoyer) and William Groth on their farm in rural Guttenberg.
Clarence met the love of his life, Virgene (Wittman) Groth at a dance in Lakeside Ballroom in Guttenberg. They were married on June 21, 1945, celebrating 75 years of marriage last year. Clarence and Virgene worked on their farm near Elkport for the past 72 years raising 4 children. He served his community on the Littleport Creamery Board and was elected to many terms as Volga Township Trustee and election pole worker. Clarence was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church, serving on the church council for many years. During his early years of farming, he would spend most of his summers doing custom bailing for neighbors.
At age 16 Clarence graduated from Guttenberg High School where he competed on the speed typing team. Clarence cherished many lifelong friendships. He always had a joke to share and loved to tell stories about friends, family and the way things used to be. Clarence was most happy in the company of family and while at work, especially if the work involved a tractor. He and Virgene instilled in their children a strong work ethic, a love for the resources of the land and an appreciation for living an uncomplicated life.
Clarence is survived by his wife, Virgene and children Sandra Groth of Elkader, Steven (Ingrid) Groth of Marion, Suann (Brett) Eaton, and Sheri (Gene) Glawe both of Elkader, grandchildren Nathan (Meredith) Eaton, Justin (Sara) Haught, Danielle Eaton, Bradley Haught, Sandra Anderson, Kaelyn Haught and Carter Haught; greatgrandchildren Garrett and Vivian Eaton, Conner, Ava and Brayden Seaton, and Winnie and Millie Haught.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother, Lawrence, who died at birth, sister Esther who died at age 5, brother, Wm. Donald (Paulette) Groth, and sisters Evelyn (Harvey) Walke and Gertrude (Otto) Anderegg.
Memorials may be directed to Hope Lutheran Church in Littleport, Iowa, Mercy One Hospital Foundation in Elkader, or Mercy One Ambulance Service.
A special thank you to the Mercy One Physical and Orthopedic Therapy departments and to the caring nurses and doctors of Mercy One Elkader Hospital and Medical Associates Clinic.
Private services will be held with burial following at the Guttenberg City Cemetery.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.