John "Johnny" Henry Groth went on to the green pastures of heaven on January 6, 2026. John was born August 29, 1963 to Walter and Mabel (Ballweg) Groth. A farmer all his life, it was more than just an occupation, it was his passion. He was the 4th generation to farm the Groth farm in the Sumpter Township.

John was handy, hardworking, and known for his legendary physical strength. There was nothing on the farm he couldn't and wouldn't do- from handling livestock, climbing to the top of the silos, or fixing equipment. But John truly enjoyed doing the field work in his favorite trusty International Harvester 1486. He would spend long hours in the field making sure the work was all done to his standards.

On the farm there was always work to do and in his spare time John was an avid hunter and an excellent marksman. He enjoyed trap shooting at the Honey Creek Rod & Gun club and often came home with trophies and prizes. Many nights were spent running hounds and hunting raccoons. The evidence of impossibly long shots with his 300 Weatherby could be seen in the trophy bucks that lined his walls. On deer drives, he would always take the hardest route over the roughest terrain. That was just his way.

John had a larger than life personality which was shown in his other pastimes. He was known for his Harley Davidson motorcycle that you would hear for miles. He'd enjoy heading out on a long cruise after the chores were done. Tractor pulls and demolition derbies at the county fairgrounds were highlights of the summer. He was a talker with a ready laugh and known as a practical jokester.

In his later years, John relished his children and grandchildren and his time outdoors. He still helped in managing the farm as well as offering advice from all his years of experience. His family will miss his daily calls to check in on everything from farm work, to what they're currently doing, or how the Packers played.

John is survived by his children; Bridget (Cody Tesch) and their children, Vanessa, Liberty, Bentley, Lincoln, Hendrix and Veighda; Kimberly (Joe Burt) and daughter, Paityne; twins Jared (Emanuel Sanchez); and John (Heather Osthoff) and their dogs, that John loved, Sadie, Jack and Callie. Siblings, Sherry (Tom Kertzman), Elaine, and Nancy Groth; and a nephew, Alex (Ashley) Clark. John is further survived by other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents Walter and Mabel, John was preceded in death by brothers, Harry and Gary; and a niece, Sarah.

As per John's wishes, no services will be held.

"…I need someone with arms strong enough to wrestle a calf yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild. Somebody to call hogs, tame cankerous machinery… So God made a farmer."