Rodney "Ron" Edward Groff

Rodney “Ron” Edward Groff was born April 17, 1943, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Willard “Bill” and Irene (Blumenstein) Groff. He attended Green Center rural school. On Nov. 25, 1961, he was united in marriage to Judith Schantz, together they were blessed with four daughters. On Sept. 6, 1998, he was united in marriage to Cindy Geinzer. Ron farmed and was a heavy equipment operator for Daniel Keith Yoder and Son and Dreams Unlimited. He was a very loyal person, loved animals and loved the land. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and raising baby chicks. Ron died on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, surrounded by his family at his home in rural Wellman, at the age of 69 years.

Ron is survived by his wife Cindy of Wellman; four daughters, Cynthia Charbon of Columbus Junction, Crystal Humble of Wellman, Margaret (Brian) Wardenburg of Williamsburg and Michaele Kerr of North English; a stepdaughter, Stacey (Martin) Rojas of Newport News, Va.; a stepson, Carl Benson of Coralville; 16 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Sharrie Groff of Wellman and Darlene Gingerich of Iowa City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Irene; a son-in-law, Gale Charbon; and a grandson, Michael Humble.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Powell Funeral Home in Wellman. Mr. Marvin Yoder will officiate. Burial will be in the Wellman Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Powell Funeral Home in Wellman.

A memorial fund has been established for Wellman Fire Department and Wellman Ambulance.

Messages may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 14, 2012.