Donald Eugene Groff

1945 - 2020

printable version

Donald Eugene Groff, 74, of Findlay, died Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at Bridge Hospice after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born October 13, 1945 in Dayton, Ohio to Lowell and Elinor Groff, who, along with a brother, Robert Duane, preceeded him in death. Don was a 1963 graduate of Riverdale High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1969, stationed in Giessen, Germany. It was there he met and married Karla (Verna) in 1968. Upon discharge, Don worked for the ill-fated Penn-Central railroad and its successor, Conrail. He worked in many of the remaining interlocking towers as a dispatcher in Hardin and Allen Counties controlling rail traffic within those divisions via signals, manually “throwing” switches, and handing off orders (trackside!) to the engineer on a passing train. Technology advanced, however, and rendered this now novel and romantic era of railroading obsolete so, seeking greener pastures and opportunity, Don moved his family to Phoenix, Arizona in 1985. The desert, however, was not to be and never felt like “home,” so Don returned – divorced from Karla - to Findlay in 1990 where he finished his working career at Whirlpool. In 1996, he married Mary Ann (Michel) and she survives him. She deserves special attention for her unwavering support, dedication, and care provided to Don throughout his numerous health issues over the years. Many knew Don as a watercolor artist. He was primarily self-taught save for some classes at the Findlay Art League of which he was a member for many years. Two recurring themes in his work were the pastoral, Ohio countryside and the railroad. Several of the latter are on permanent display at Marion Union Station in Marion, OH. Don had another talent of sorts – inherited from his mother – for adroitly assigning those around him a sobriquet (nickname), the source of some were self-evident while others will remain an enigma. Don was also an avid reader and history buff – favorite subjects included regional, military, early American, and, naturally, railroad history. Don was a member of the Arlington chapter of the American Legion in the 1970’s. In addition to Mary Ann, Don is survived by daughter Christine (Mark) Norton of Phoenix, AZ, son Donald (Betty) E. Groff II of Port Clinton, OH, grandson Ryan Donald, brothers James Earnest, Daniel Lee, Michael Allen all of Arizona, and Richard Lynn of Richmond, IN. Don is also survived by step-children Melissa (Andy) Maag of Columbus Grove, OH, Nancy (Wes) Palmer of Millington, MI, seven step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. A private memorial will ultimately be conducted at the Marblehead Lighthouse. Special recognition also goes to Dr. Jacobus and the entire staff at Bridge Hospice. Your services and talents are exceptional. Thank you for providing those in your care the dignity, attention, and honor they deserve in their final days. Memorial contributions may be made to Bridge Hospice. Arrangements are being handled by COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences can be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com. We’ll miss you, Dad. Whenever Christine and I hear a Reds game on the radio, watch a Browns game on television, hear a distant train or see one speeding by on the mainline we will think of you. You’ve “caught the westbound” as the old hoboes who stopped by the tower used to say. Sleep well – you belong to the ages.

---

Service Information

• :

• Service Location:

  [Map]
  
  ,

• Final Resting Place:

  [Map]
  
  

• Contributions:

• Instructions:

  A Private Service will be held at a later date.
  

Condolences For Donald Eugene Groff

Click here to send a condolence

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---