Groff, Dr. Irwin Gunun

Dr. Irwin Gunun Groff, 85, of Lisbon, died peacefully at his home following a brief illness, Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010. He was born on Dec. 9, 1924, at Mason City, Iowa. Irwin was the son of Doctors Clifford and Helene Kelley Groff.

Irwin graduated from Mason City High School in 1942. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Army Air Force as a first lieutenant. While in the service, Irwin attended Carleton, Yale and Drake University and graduated from Des Moines Still College of Osteopathy in 1951. He practiced family medicine in Lakota, Iowa. for nine years. Irwin completed a residency at Des Moines General Hospital in 1964. and worked there as a Doctor of Radiology for 20 years until his retirement in 1984.

Irwin married the love of his life, Caroline Marie Stroeck on April 25, 1945, at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. She preceded him in death in 2005.

Survivors include son, Clifford (Alida) Groff of Missouri Valley, Iowa; daughters, Cara Gerzema of Shoreview, Minn., and Daun (John) Roth of Lake Bluff, Ill.; sister, Zana Abele of Mason City; and a stepsister, Donna (John) Spence of Port Angeles, Wash.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Irwin was passionate about golf and flowers. He bred, raised and showed many breeds of pigeons. Irwin will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minn., following cremation.

Donations will be used to plant a tree in his honor at Hillcrest Country Club, Mount Vernon. Cards and condolences may be sent in care of Morgan Funeral Home, 715 10th Ave. SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314.

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