Virgil L. Groth, 87, of Grinnell, IA died on Sunday, May 10, 2015, at the Mayflower Health Care Center in Grinnell. Mass of the Resurrection will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grinnell with Rev. Ron Hodges, pastor of the church, officiating. Music will be provided by Marilyn Kriegel, organist and St. Mary's Choir. Inurnment will be at the Graceland Cemetery in Sioux City, IA. The family will be present at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2015. Should friends desire, memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Catholic Church or to the Mayflower Human Needs Fund and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Virgil was born on March 13, 1928, in Cushing, IA to LeRoy and Aurelia Dandurand Groth. He was raised in Correctionville and attended public school. At an early age his outstanding work ethic was evident as he worked with his sisters and brother to run the local movie theatre and did other odd jobs to help support the family. The family moved to Sioux City in 1944 and he graduated from East High School in 1946. On September 20, 1948, he was married to Patricia Ann Martin in Sioux City. Virgil began his career in the grocery store business with O.P. Skaggs Grocery Stores and operated a store in Yankton, S.D. He joined the Safeway Grocery Stores in 1953 and relocated to Sioux City. The Groth family moved to Grinnell in 1962 and he joined McNally Grocery Store in 1964. In 1966, he became an owner with Jim and Ed McNally and later with Harry Jensen until 1982. In 1982, his son, Tom joined him at McNally's and together they co-owned and managed the business until his retirement in 1988. Virgil and Tom also owned the Longhorn Restaurant with Phil Gibbons for 4 years until it was sold to Gordon and Evelyn Felper in 1988. Virgil's career was highlighted by his passion to provide a high level of service to all of his loyal customers. He was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce and the Grinnell Rotary Club. Virgil thoroughly enjoyed operating the grocery business despite the long hours. In his spare time, he took pleasure in woodworking and spending time with his family. The family has especially fond memories of road trips to California where they would vacation with Pat's sister, Fran and her family. Virgil even learned to water ski near Mt. Shasta! The ultimate family trip was to Europe, where the family spent time with Gabi and Walter Stadler. Gabi was an Austrian AFS student, who lived with the Groths from 1971 – 1972. Virgil and his family enjoyed hosting Gabi and her family in their homes and visiting Europe on other occasions throughout the subsequent years. After retirement, he and Pat enjoyed traveling and participating in social clubs and spending time with their children and grandchildren. For a few years they spent part of their winter in Arizona enjoying outdoor activities with other Grinnellians. Throughout his life, Virgil was always willing to offer a helping hand to anyone in need, being especially adept at assisting others with construction and repair projects. Virgil will always be remembered as a wonderful husband to Pat and a loving father to his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Groth of Grinnell; his children, Thomas (Jeannie) Groth of Spicer, MN, Pamela (Jerry) Stieneke of Sioux City, IA and Jerry (Kathy) Groth of Madison, WS; five grandchildren, Kevin Groth, Peggy (John) Mette, Penny (Nick) Lechuga, Lyndsey (Bryn) Loosley , and Morgan (Leah Toth) Groth ; two great grandchildren, Jack Mette and Levi River Loosley; one brother, Gene (Jean) Groth of Sioux City; and his sister, Pauline Bonderson of LeMars, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Geraldine DeFabis.