CLEARLAKE, Calif. – John E. Groth Sr., 92, entered into rest in Clearlake on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015. 

A longtime business owner in Santa Rosa, he was born in Fellows, Calif., on Oct. 14, 1923.

A graduate of Santa Rosa High School class of 1943, he then served his country in the 1503rd Army Air Force from June 1943 to April 1946 being awarded the WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

John married – and is survived by – the love of his life La Belle on Oct. 4, 1948. They had four children: Kathy Reese (Ron), John Jr. (Marilee), and Kristine Katz (Michael).

John also is survived by 10 grandchildren: Marc, Corey, Joey, Jordan, Kasey, Abby, Jennifer, Michael, Tony and Kevin; and one great-granddaughter, Megan. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joanne (Mike) Marcucci.

John owned and operated Groth Motors in Santa Rosa from 1963 to 2012. John was a lifetime member of the Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club and the first Club Champion in 1957. He also was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Native Sons of the Golden West and Past President of IADAC.

At present, no services have been set. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, “Cancer Care,” 275 7th Ave., New York, NY 10001.

Arrangements are under the care of Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel. Please share your loving memories of John by signing his on-line guestbook at www.jonesandlewis.com and www.legacy.com .