Ernie was born August 14, 1935, in Springfield, IL, the son of Robert John and Evelyn M. Maurer Groth. He married Mildred E. Washko on October 19, 1957, in Springfield; she preceded him in death on September 24, 2009.
Ernie was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish at Sacred Heart Church.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter; two brothers, Robert John Groth II and Emil Paul “Bud” Groth; and two sisters, Laura Groth and Evelyn “Roberta” Groth.
Ernie is survived by a son, Joseph Groth of Springfield; a sister, Doris (James) Schrock of St. Charles, MO; special friend, Bonnie Davis; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL. A funeral ceremony will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Jim Isaacson officiating.
Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and Department of Defense.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
