Ira L. Groff

Ira L. Groff, 94, of Pleasant View Retirement Community, and formerly of 424 West High Street, Manheim, died peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at the Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Lititz, he was the son of the late Jason and Emma Landis Groff. Ira was the loving husband of Fern A. Longenecker Groff and they observed their 67th wedding anniversary in September of this year. For over thirty-eight years he was employed at the Fuller Company, Manheim, following retirement he worked part time for the Manheim Auto Auction. In his early years Ira worked on the family farm. Ira served in the United States Army during World War II as a tank driver, taking part in military campaigns in North Africa, and with the Battle of Anzio in Italy. He was a faithful and active member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Manheim, where he served as both a Deacon and Elder on the church Consistory; helped as usher, and volunteered on many projects throughout the church. He was a member of the Manheim Historical Society, Manheim American Legion, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels for the Manheim area. Ira enjoyed being a participant of the Manheim Bicentennial Celebration in 1962. His interests included: model Lionel Trains, vegetable gardening, taking cross country drives in his convertible, and visiting New England in the fall. Ira and his wife Fern had a passion for their extended family of brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews and cherished all the time they could spend with each of them.

Surviving are two brothers: Robert L. husband of Dolores Groff of Lititz, Ellis L. husband of Shirley Groff of Gretna Springs, Manheim, three sisters: Elma wife of Melvin Groff of Lititz, Amy Foreman of Manheim, Mabel wife of Clarence “Mike” Graham of Manheim, and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews by the hundreds. Preceding him in death are five brothers: Elvin, Aaron, Clarence, Landis, Roy Groff, and a sister, Emma Myers.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 50 North Main Street, Manheim, on Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 10:30 AM. Interment will be in Hernley Mennonite Cemetery, Rapho Township. There will be a viewing at the church on Thursday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Ira’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse P. O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607-3000.