Walter L. Groff, 92, of Kenosha, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2011. Born in Milwaukee on November 4, 1919, he was the son of the late Walter E. and Mary (Fuchs) Groff. He was educated at St. Thomas and St. Mary Catholic Elementary Schools and graduated from Kenosha High School and Northwestern University Evening School of Business. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp from February 5, 1942, until his honorable discharge on January 30, 1946. He received the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon and the European Theater Ribbon. On May 6, 1944, he married Gertrude Demmer at St. Mary Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on September 13, 2005. Walter was employed with Jockey International in the Credit Management Department for 46 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, a Boy Scout Leader for 25 years, a life member of the Elks Club, President of the Jockey Credit Union for 15 years, and received the Fellow Award from the National Institute of Credit. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, woodworking and traveling. Survivors include his son, Thomas W. (Nancy) Groff of Kenosha; a grandson, Eric N. Groff; a granddaughter, Kari M. Groff; two nieces; and three nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Dennis A. Groff who died while serving his country as a U.S. Army Medic in Vietnam on February 29, 1969; and two brothers, Lawrence J. Groff and Jerome Groff. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 30th, at St. Mary Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Kenosha Visiting Nurses Association, Inc. and Affiliates would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Walter’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Beth Lewis Krimmel
November 29, 2011
Tom and Nancy, I was saddened to hear of the news of the passing of your father. Hopefully, the fond memories of him throughout the years will help you and your family through this difficult time. Wally and Gert were very special in the "Lewis" family. It was always fun to hear of their escapades from golf to their travels throughout the years. A consumate gentleman, he will be missed.Beth Lewis Krimmel
Ruth (Lewis) Noeldner & Family
November 28, 2011
What a gentleman Wally was, truly a member of that great generation!!! I grew up with Wally & Gert going to the Friday night fish fry at the Elks and then playing bridge with my parents. I consider them an extension of our family. We always appreciated his kindness and humor. He will be missed.Mark, Ruth, Josh & Jake Noeldner
Chrissy (Wingate) Zarinnia
November 28, 2011
My grandparents shared a lifetime of memories with Gert and Wally. Playing golf, playing bridge and the four of them traveling through life together. As I grew up I heard many stories from my grandparents about Wally and what a good man he was. I am sorry for your loss.
Fred & Lena Schlater
November 28, 2011
Our sincere sympathy to Tom, Nancy and family. Lena worked with Wally at Jockey International in the late 60's and remembers how nice and pleasant Wally was to all his fellow workers. His family will miss him greatly.