LEAF RIVER – John R. Grove, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019 in Serenity Hospice & Home, Oregon. John was born on Sept. 5, 1931 in Leaf River, the son of Roy L. and Alice (Kapperman) Grove.
He graduated from Leaf River High School class of 1950. John served in the United States Army during the Korean War. John married Augusta “Gussie” Hagemann on July 19, 1953 in Leaf River. John worked as a farmer for 40 years in the Leaf River area.
John was a member of the Leaf River Lions Club for 55 years, American Legion, Mt. Morris Moose Lodge #1551, Oregon Country Club, Ogle County Farm Bureau, Ducks Unlimited, Leaf River Snow Demons, German Valley Sno-Riders, he loved to spend time with his grandchildren, golfing, fishing up north, four wheeling, snowmobiling, mushroom hunting. After his retirement, he spent many hours woodworking, he was always there for his family and friends when they needed help, and socializing with his friends was important to him.
John is survived by his wife: Gussie Grove, Leaf River; daughter: Debbie (Gregg) Bergin, Mt. Morris; grandchildren: Eric (Christina) Bergin, German Valley, Kirsten (Michael) Osterloo, Champaign, and Allison Bergin, Milwaukee, Wis.; great grandchildren: Kaleb and Emma Bergin, German Valley, and Matthew Osterloo, Champaign; brother: Bruce (Velma) Grove, Dayton, Wash.; sister: Margorie Harmon, Annandale, Va.
John is preceded in death by his parents; grandchildren: Stephen Bergin and an infant granddaughter; great grandson: John Walter Bergin; 2 brothers: Leon and Royal Grove; sister: Edna Gates.
Funeral service will be held on Monday. Sept. 2, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, with Rev. Josh Ehrler officiating. Burial will be in Lightsville Cemetery, Lightsville. Visitation will be held on Sunday Sept. 1, 2019 from 5-7 p.m. in Finch Funeral Home.
Memorials to Serenity Hospice & Home, Oregon.
