Obituary of
Groves, Donald Allen
Donald Groves was born on December 21, 1937 to his loving parents, Ross and Elvina, n Viroqua Wisconsin where he acquired his small town values of love of life and caring for your neighbor. He died on December 6, 2015 at the home he loved in Dallas, Texas after a long battle with dementia and esophageal cancer.
Between that wonderful birth and that undeserved death, Donald spent his early academic years in a one room schoolhouse, attended Lutheran College, spent two years playing French horn in the United States Army band, and started a long career in the automotive business at Humphrey Chevrolet in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He later went to work for General Motors in Detroit, Michigan traveling across the country as an automotive accountant before being transferred to Dallas, Texas where he continued his profession traveling across the South and Southwest. Throughout his many years with General Motors, he enjoyed making and keeping many friends in the towns and cities he worked in before his well earned retirement.
Donald Groves was a warm and loving man often referred to by his friends as a Pied Piper or a modern day Auntie Mame. Even though he spent much of his adult life living out of a suitcase for work, he enjoyed every opportunity he had taking both friends and family to experience some of the cities he had traveled to before. He was also a generous person with everyone he met. Whether it involved rolling rolls of coins for the Salvation Army at Christmas or making sure a friend was never overlooked or go without.
He enjoyed dining out, attending theater, going to the opera in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He supported the United States Olympics, the SPCA and the ARTT, Associates of the Restored Temple Theatre, in Viroqua, Wisconsin.
Donald and Jay’s sad vigil started on Friday, December 4 and was shared and supported by their dear friends: Steve, John, Herman, Scottie and Jamie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Elvina, his sister Betty Heltne and his brother Phil. He is survived by his husband and partner of nearly 50 years, Jay Stankiewicz, his loving sister, Rachel Lehmann and her husband, Ed, his sister-in-law, JoAnn and nine nephews and nieces.
His smile, the sound of his voice and the music he made will forever be missed.
Please send the family condolences and share memories on this website.
Tribute Wall of Groves, Donald Allen
Jay, I just saw that Don had passed away. Your role in my life has been enormous. Thanks to our both. Thinking of you. – Marc
Marc Lerro
Thursday October 13, 2022
Jay, I just saw that Don had passed away. Your role in my life has been enormous. Thanks to our both. Thinking of you. - Marc
Our sympathy to all of Donald’s family and friends. I remember Donald’s music filling the Kickapoo Valley from where he lived. Our family lived only a mile down river. His Mom and Dad were neighbors and friends with our folks. Thank goodness for wonderful memories. He suffered a great deal and is now at rest. Our prayers are with all of you at this sad time. Lee and Janet (Dustin) Allen
Lee and Janet (Dustin) Allen
Thursday October 13, 2022
Our sympathy to all of Donald's family and friends. I remember Donald's music filling the Kickapoo Valley from where he lived. Our family lived only a mile down river. His Mom and Dad were neighbors and friends with our folks. Thank goodness for wonderful memories. He suffered a great deal and is now at rest. Our prayers are with all of you at this sad time. Lee and Janet (Dustin) Allen
Our one and only Donald, Momma Dons passing leaves our hearts broken, but overflowing with good memories and more so of his extraordinarily generous spirit to all he loved.
John Cox, John Bishop
Thursday October 13, 2022
Our one and only Donald, Momma Dons passing leaves our hearts broken, but overflowing with good memories and more so of his extraordinarily generous spirit to all he loved.
I had the pleasure of knowing Donald 13 years. He taught me so much about life. I have always felt like I was a part of the “Shook Street” family and have had many great times at the house. He will be missed by all, but the memories will be forever. I could go on and on for hours with many stories, but just know this, I love you Donald.
Scott Sale
Thursday October 13, 2022
I had the pleasure of knowing Donald 13 years. He taught me so much about life. I have always felt like I was a part of the "Shook Street" family and have had many great times at the house. He will be missed by all, but the memories will be forever. I could go on and on for hours with many stories, but just know this, I love you Donald.
Best friend of 46years. Provided me
with many,many adventures around the
US during his career with General
Motors. A FRIEND FOREVER…..
JAMES UREN
Thursday October 13, 2022
Best friend of 46years. Provided me
with many,many adventures around the
US during his career with General
Motors. A FRIEND FOREVER.....
My heart is a little broken. Donald was a customer, but more important, he was a friend. Always made me smile. I will so miss his light. xxxx
Kim Halliburton Carter
Thursday October 13, 2022
My heart is a little broken. Donald was a customer, but more important, he was a friend. Always made me smile. I will so miss his light. xxxx