Stewart Groves

Stewart Groves, 90, of Viroqua, died Tuesday, January 19, 2016. Stewart Edwin Groves, 90, of Viroqua, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2016, at Vernon Manor in Viroqua. He was born in Viroqua on December 9, 1925 to Kenneth and Ruby Groves of Viroqua. He was preceded in death by a son, Scott Groves and loving wife, Anna Mae (Strang) Groves. Stewart graduated from Viroqua High School in 1943 and served in the Merchant Marine where his life long love of boating was born. He was employed by the State Bank of Viroqua for over 40 years. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir. He was also a charter member of the local SPEBSQSA barbershop chorus where he enjoyed many years of singing with a variety of quartets. Stewart was a lifetime member of the Eagles Club of Viroqua and the Viroqua Country Club. He served on the board of the Viroqua Housing Authority for 30 years. He was an avid golfer, boater, and skilled carpenter, as well as a devoted father of four boys. He and his wife, Anna Mae, enjoyed many years of boating on the Mississippi and captained many houseboats all named the "Annie Time". He was a charter member of the "Leaky Fleet Boat Club" and spent many summers on "A" dock in the marina at Lansing, Iowa. His passion for the water and boating was cemented with the great friendships he and Anna Mae grew and cherished at the Marina and in the Viroqua community. In his retirement, Stewart enjoyed woodworking and created many beloved pieces of furniture for friends and family. He also spent several winters in Vero Beach Florida with Anna Mae. Stewart is survived by three sons: Cory (Lynn) Groves of La Crosse, WI., Tim Groves (Brenda Farrell)of Madison, WI., and Toby (Cathy) Groves of Lawrenceville, GA. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Todd (Melanie) Groves of West Monroe, LA, Tim Groves, Palm Springs, CA., Beth, (Josh) Pogreba of La Crosse, WI, Tony (Kelly) Groves, Mt. Horeb, WI., Jake and Nick Groves of Madison, WI., Nate and Matt Groves of Lawrenceville, GA, one sister, Peg Selin of Viroqua, WI. In addition, there are 5 great grandchildren. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family