Victor Hugo Groening

Victor Hugo GROENING Victor H. Groening, longtime Alki resident, avid bicyclist, traveler, runner and hiker, died January 19, 2011, in Olympia. He was 92. Vic was a dentist in West Seattle for 30 years, graduating from the University of Oregon Dental School after returning from the Army in Japan. A "career" Toastmaster, he was up early every Friday morning into his eighties to spin marvelous and inspiring speeches gathered from his diverse reading and experiences. Born July 10, 1918, in Newton, Kansas of German speaking Mennonites, Abram and Elisabeth Groening, he learned English in grade school and with his brother, Homer and sister, Ellene, taught it to his Russian mother. He graduated from Linfield College, was a disk jockey and taught school in Hawaii, and enlisted in the Army after Pearl Harbor. He credited his longevity to his hiking, running and prodigious bicycling. His first Seattle to Portland day-ride was when he was 65. There were many more and he rode actively until he was 86, always adhering to his rule for the downhills, "never brake!". He loved traveling and visited many countries with his wife Beverly. He is survived by Beverly, his wife of 65 years; daughter, Marlene (James Kainber); son Philip (Cindy Smith); five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank hospice and The Hampton staff for their wonderful care. Memorial donations may be made to Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice or The Hampton Care Center Employee Fund. To leave memories of Vic or condolences for the family, go to www.FuneralAlternatives.org. Arrangements are with Funeral Alternatives of Washington 360-753-1065.