Obituary of Charles Lloyd Groff

Charles Chuck Lloyd Groff entered his heavenly home early January 2, 2013, after courageously battling many years of illness. Chuck was born in Langdon, North Dakota on May 24, 1942 to William and Evelyn Groff. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota where he grew up alongside older sister Marion, younger brother James, and an abundance of extended family. That is where he met his wife to be of 51 years, Carolyn Avon Jarrett, while her family was visiting for the summer. Chuck enlisted in the Air Force during the winter of 1960-61 and did his basic training in San Antonio, Texas. He was then transferred to Gunther AFB in Alabama where he completed medical training and was able to visit Carolyn in his off duty time as her family lived in Tarrant City some 100 miles from the base. When Chuck completed his training, he and Carolyn were married and moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, where Chuck was stationed at Ellsworth AFB. He served as a medic in the base hospital. He also held a part time position as lab technician at Benson's Optical Company. After serving 5 years, he was honorably discharged and then began working with Benson's full time. He and the family transferred with the optical company to Minnesota, Illinois, and eventually Albuquerque, New Mexico. The majority of his 40 year career was spent as an optician dispensing eye glasses and was a partner of Moon Optical when he retired. He loved sports of all kinds, especially baseball. Throughout his life he played hockey, softball, golf, was an avid bowler, and enjoyed fishing. He also enjoyed music and had learned to play the accordion, piano, and guitar. He was a classic car enthusiast and an animal lover. Chuck will be loved and missed by his wife Carolyn, daughters Marion and Renee, son-in-law Sidney and Rick, mother Evelyn, mother-in-law Geneva, brother-in-law Ken and many other extended family and friends. A celebration of his life will take place in the spring this year. Family and friends will be notified with details of the celebration once they have been determined. His quick wit and sense of humor will long be remembered by those who knew him. Arrangements entrusted to Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque, 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE, 764-9663.