David Ralph Groth

David “Dave” R. Groth, 88, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 25, 2023 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born May 1, 1935 in Wausau, son of the late Emil and Margaret (Gebhardt) Groth.  On September 6, 1969, he married Rosemary Ziegel at St. James Catholic Church, Wausau.

Dave was a 1953 graduate of Wausau High School, then enlisted in the United States Army.  He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 10, Wausau and a longtime member of Resurrection Catholic Church.

In his younger years, Dave co-owned D & D Texaco in Wausau and then worked as an electrician at Wausau Papers for 32 years until his retirement.  He was a member of the Brokaw Skeet and Trapp Club and a member of the Seniors Golf League at the American Legion where he recorded a hole in one.

Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, making wood, yearly trips to the Rainbow Flowage and taking many trips throughout the United States with his wife, Rosemary.

Survivors include, his loving wife of 54 years, Rosemary; his daughter, Lisa (Jamie) Van Hammond, Appleton; three grandchildren, Alyson, Ian and Ava Van Hammond, all of Appleton; one brother, William Groth, Poway, CA; three sisters-in-law, Janice Ruplinger, Florence Ziegel and Beverly Ziegel; brother-in-law, Ervin Ziegel Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Ellard; nephew, Kenneth Ellard; step-son, Alan Ziegel; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Margie Groth, Imogene (Walter) Niewolny, Isabelle (Wyman) Ruplinger, Elton (Carol) Ziegel, Ivan Ruplinger, Gerald Ziegel and Kenneth Ziegel.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Resurrection Catholic Church, Wausau.  Rev. Tom Lindner will preside.  Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.  Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Post No. 10, Wausau.

Mom, thank you for the unending love, support and care you gave to Dad.  Also, a special thank you to the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital ICU.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com