John Joseph Groden Sr.

Born: Jan. 23, 1943; in Elgin

Died: Aug. 9, 2007; in Woodstock

He worked for Serv-All Die & Tool and was a classic car enthusiast



WOODSTOCK - John Joseph Groden Sr., 64, of Woodstock, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007, at his home, GreyRobin.

He was born Jan. 23, 1943, in Elgin, to Thomas and Joan (Newport) Groden.

He graduated from Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wis., and Loyola University in Chicago.

He married Erin (Green) Groden on Aug. 19, 1967, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Woodstock.

He worked for Serv-All Die & Tool in Crystal Lake for more than 40 years and was a co-owner from 1993 until his retirement in 2005.

He was an avid classic car enthusiast and collector. In 2003, his 1937 Lincoln Judkins, two-window Berline won the "crown jewel," Best of Show, at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn, Mich.

He was a loyal and loving husband and father, and his greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed beginning each day by working on the daily crossword puzzle.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years; a daughter, Nora (Todd) Huff of Woodstock; a son, John (Heather) Groden of McHenry; and three granddaughters, Madeline and Juliette Huff and Caroline Groden.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Thomas and William.

The funeral services were conducted at St. Patrick Catholic Church in McHenry, presided by the Rev. James McKitrick and the Rev. Dennis McNeil.

Internment was in Crystal Lake Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Marian Central Catholic High School, Development Office, Attn: Mary Ann Martinez, 1001 McHenry Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098; or to Children's Hospice, the George Mark Children's Fund, 27 S. Park, Suite 101, San Francisco, CA 94107.

For information, call Skaja Bachmann Funeral Home at (815) 455-2233.

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