Greg Paul Groves
Wednesday, April 8, 1953
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 15, 2020
Age:
67 years old
Visitation
Date: Friday November 20, 2020
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday, April 8, 1953
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 15, 2020
Age:
67 years old
Wednesday, April 8, 1953
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 15, 2020
Age:
67 years old
Greg Paul Groves
Gregory Paul Groves, 67, passed away on November 15, 2020 in his home.
Greg was born in Northfield, MN on April 8th, 1953 to Raymond and Helen (Ernst) Groves. He spent his childhood in Mankato, MN and graduated from Wilson Campus High School in 1971. As a young man, Greg gained an appreciation for the outdoors and camping from his time working as a youth counselor. Greg went on to work many jobs but found himself back at Clements Chevrolet in Mankato, MN where he met and eventually married his wife of 40 years, Jane (Ayers) Groves. They were married at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mankato on August 2nd, 1980 and had two sons. They later moved to Burnsville, MN where Greg worked for Burnsville Nissan until he became General Manager of Universal Ford/Toyota, settling permanently in Rochester. He had a long career with Universal Ford and Toyota and eventually opened Universal Marine & RV in 1992.
Greg always enjoyed meeting new challenges and helping people achieve their own successes. Because of his strong faith, he always knew that his job on Earth was to love and care for the people around him. He was instrumental in helping to start the Hope Lodge in Rochester to aid families that were undergoing cancer treatments at Mayo Clinic. He later started the Local Heroes’ Days at Universal Marine & RV to honor and show his appreciation for the local service people not limited to police, firefighters, EMT responders, and past/present military members. He touched many different people’s lives and was awarded the Arthur J. Decio Humanitarian Award in 2015 for his philanthropic service, for which he was extremely proud of.
Greg loved his family and cherished making “good times and memories” with Jane, his sons, and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending his free time flying, hunting, fishing, and playing cribbage with his family and friends. He always hoped that people could get to experience good times with their families and friends just as he was able to enjoy with his family and friends.
Greg will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all those who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife Jane Groves of Rochester, sons Jacob (Katie) Groves and Tyler (Cydney) Groves of Eyota, grandchildren Jonathan, Cameron, and Audrey, siblings Lynne Groves (Mankato), Tom Groves (Mankato) and Monica Groves (St. Paul), mother-in-law Margaret Ayers (Mankato), and aunt Lois Goertzen (North Newton, KS).
The visitation for Greg will be held on Friday, November 20, 2020 from 5:00PM until 8:00PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Please observe social distancing and arrive wearing a mask. There will be a private Funeral Mass for Greg at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch or Minnesota Veterans and Emergency Services Museum.
Condolences
The family of Greg Paul Groves has received the following condolences.
Jane, Jacob and Tyler,
We were so saddened to hear of Greg's passing.
I know it has been many years since we have seen any of you, we have very fond memories of living in the same neighborhood, our kids playing together and our social visits while walking the dog etc.
Jane you and Greg gave me one of my first jobs when I started my painting business so many years ago. I was so grateful for that!
Even though I am retired now I will always remember you giving me a chance back then. It got me going and I had a good business for 22 years
Bob also remembers the many times coming to the dealership and looking at boats or campers and shootin the breeze with Greg, he was always so kind to us.
Again we are sorry for your loss. Sincerly Bob and Denise Gehrke
Jane and family . . . we are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our dear cousin and friend. Greg was always so kind, accepting and willing to do anything for you. He was a dear friend to the Groves family, as I am sure he was to all of those who knew him. Your family is deeply blessed to have shared the life of such a generous man.
God Bless all of you and we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you laugh and cry remembering all of the good times together.
Sincerely, Mark and Carolyn (Goertzen) Wedel
I wanted to stop by in person last evening, but just got a positive test result yesterday. Greg was generous when I was working with PossAbilities and we were able to have a few lunches and get in a few hands of cribbage these past couple years. Jane, Jake, and Tyler and families, you all have my sympathy. Jake, I will stop by once these next ten days are past. In the meantime, you are all in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Bill
I met Greg through a friend only 3 years ago. Greg made me feel special every time I seen him. You can tell if a person is a genuine good person and I will never forget the times we visited together. Greg will be missed but never forgotten. My deepest condolences go to the family.
Groves Family,
I want to give my sincerest condolences. Greg was a good man with a heart of gold and I will forever be thankful for all the advice and philosophical conversations that we had over the years. Jake your DAD was a good man and will be forever missed by every person he interacted with.
Greg may you rest in peace,
Dean Pike and family
Groves family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Greg was a great man and I can truly say that I am honored to have had the opportunity to make many memories with him and the family. From going to Wisconsin riding four wheelers, Caribbean cruises, boat cruising on the Zumbro, and many more. Greg may you rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Groves family.
Ryan, Erin and Braylee Cordie
So sorry to hear of Greg's passing. What a great guy! I have a lot of fond memories working with him at McDonalds in Mankato. Jane my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sorry Jake to see your dads obituary in the paper -just seen and talked to him a couple weeks ago at Universal- Jane my thoughts and prayers are with him and all his family
Greg’s larger than life zest for making things happen is what I value the most. He was my cousin and every time I was able to connect in person with Greg and Jane (way too few opportunities, which I regret) I was energized by the passion and love that Greg presented.
Greg used his worldly blessings at every opportunity to deliver blessings to the rest of us. I think of the selfless use of the “Groves private airline” as a perfect example.
Jane and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Brian Kaufman
Jane and family Pat and I grieve with you in Greg’s passing. In the early 70’s Greg was my right hand young man as we worked together at Stone Point Bible Camp. I could always count on Greg in any role he needed to take on. His Christian faith was more than words Greg put his faith into action. Many a night Greg would show up at our home our conversation was so meaningful to Pat and I. When ever we would get together in later years our conversation just continued like there was no years in between. As life continues for us Greg friendship was always so positive and will be missed. When our Lord and savior made Greg for his kingdom on earth he made the best. May we all do our best to honor Greg’s life and be doers of our faith.
In Christian Love Dan and Pat Nelson
P.s. We are in Florida so unable to make the visitation.
Was and honor to know you I will never forget what you did for me when I needed help u will always be one off my heroes rest on peace god bless your family
Greg was not only a fabulous business mentor to my husband Rob over the years, he was also a great friend to both of us. May you now rest in peace Greg! Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Groves family. It will be hard to fill the void you all will have now with Greg's passing but cherish the memories created over the years and hold them dear to your heart. Please reach out to Rob and I if we can help out with anything in the future. Hugs to you all! Rob and Renee Benson
It was an honor to know you! Thanks for the memories!
Love ya Bro! Rest In Peace!