Emil Paul Groth's Obituary
Emil “Bud” Paul Groth, died unexpectedly on March 8, 2023 at his residence in San Diego, CA. He was 86 years’ young. He was born on August 22, 1936, the second of six children of Robert John Groth and Evelyn (Maurer) Groth.
Bud Groth was always smiling, had incredible patience, always made time to help others and will be missed and remembered by many lives he touched.
Bud is survived and missed by his wife of 42 years, Pamela (Dyer), and their son Michael Groth both of San Diego, CA; his five children from his first marriage in 1956 to Mary (Henterseher) Groth, Geri Welch (Tucson, AZ), Dana Kreuzberger (Novato, CA), Lore Hammer (Hayden, ID) , Scott Groth (San Diego,CA), and Craig Groth (San Diego,CA); five beloved grandchildren, Nina Rocco (Meridian ID), Kayla Kreuzberger (Denver, CO), Kimberlyn Kreuzberger (Denver, CO), Connor Groth (San Diego,CA) and Logan Groth (San Diego, CA) ; also surviving are his oldest brother, Ernie Groth of Springfield, IL and his youngest sister, Doris (James) Schrock of St. Charles, MO; as well as several wonderful nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, R. John Groth II, and two sisters, Laura Ann Groth and Evelyn Roberta Groth, all of Springfield, IL.
Bud grew up in Springfield, IL and graduated from Feitshans High School in 1954 where he was a member of the 1952 Varsity Football team that was inducted into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. He was also on the Varsity Golf Team.
Bud had many professions in his life, but the most fulfilling to him was driven by his passion for golf and coaching. He starting his golf career at age eight as a caddy at Oakcrest Country Club in Springfield. To follow his passion, he moved his family to California in 1965 to pursue a career as a golf professional ultimately becoming Associate Pro at San Diego Country Club. Even in his retirement, Bud coached the boys and girls golf teams at Althoff Catholic HS in Belleville, IL, established a youth golf academy, and until his death, was giving private golf lessons to all ages.
During the last five years, Bud and his wife, Pam, travelled coast to coast in their RV, camping and visiting family and friends. They have travelled to Hawaii twice and to Gonzaga Bay in Baja California several times. His life was good!
A Celebration of Life to honor him will be held at a date to be determined in April.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE DONATE TO: Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/donate/
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