GROTH, John William - b. November 10, 1953 - d. November 17, 2012

[patyrn]

John William Groth, age 59, of Fredonia, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at his home.  John was born on November 10, 1953 in Arrington, England, the son of Robert Claus and Sarah Freda (Kaylor) Groth.

John attended Sycamore Elementary School in Sycamore, Kansas and then completed junior high school and high school at Independence, Kansas.  In 1971, John joined the U.S. Army and served until May of 1979 earning the rank of SSG.  On May 25, 1972, John married JoAnn Bedigrew in Independence, Kansas.  John and JoAnn were married for 40 years.  JoAnn survives at their home.

After his military service, John completed top of his law enforcement class.  He served the City of Fredonia for over 20 years.  He retired as Chief of Police.  During that time, John also served as the Director of E.M.S. for awhile and also as the Recreation Director.  After retiring from the Police Department, John owned and operated G & S Service Contractors.  John was a member of the Lions, Masons, and the Chief of Police Association.

Survivors including his wife, JoAnn include one son, Jacob Groth and wife, Heidi of Fall River, Kansas; three brothers, Robert M. Groth of Fredonia, Kansas, Larry J. Groth of St. Roberts, Missouri, and Charles C. Groth of Schertz, Texas; three sisters, Linda Mills of Frontenac, Kansas, Esther Beecham of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Sandra Moore of Independence, Kansas; and two grandchildren, Jacie and Brylie.  John was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia, Kansas with Kathy Boden officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service time.  The family has suggested memorials to the Wounded Warriors Relief Fund and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th Street, Fredonia, Kansas 66736.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

[Janet Harrington]

Sorry to hear about John Groth. He was Chief of Police at Fredonia when I was sheriff. Prayers for his family.