Marvin "Mike" Groven Obituary

Marvin Jerome Groven, better known as “Mike” by his family and friends, was the fourth child born to Ole and Christine (Ellingson) Groven on February 15, 1928 at Hoople, North Dakota. He was raised on a farm and attended elementary school at Walsh County Agricultural and Training School in Park River, North Dakota.

Mike enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on March 9, 1946. He served in Iceland and Labrador and was honorably discharged in August 1948. Mike was united in marriage to Marion Chally on May 26, 1949, and to this marriage two children were born: Gloria and Richard.

Mike was employed at Farmers Union Oil in Park River, North Dakota then later became manager of Western Co-Op in Newcastle, Wyoming. Years later he became manager of Farmers Union Oil in Philip and worked there from the fall of 1952 until March 1962. He then purchased the Phillips 66 Station for twelve years and worked for Baye and Sons in Philip for two years. Mike also served on the Haakon County School Board from 1966 until 1970.

Mike moved to Lancaster, California and worked for his brother Dennis on his alfalfa ranch and did electrical construction. He returned to Philip in January 1979 to manage Farmers Union Oil once again.

Mike was united in marriage to Patricia Holcomb Gropper on June 24, 1981 which also added three stepdaughters to his family: Mitzi, Marci, and Michelle.

In 1987 he started Groven’s Chemical Sales and Application Service in Kadoka. He kept extremely busy doing commercial herbicide spraying with his spray coop in spring, summer, and fall, keeping all the weeds in five counties under control. Mike learned to use the computer for his bookkeeping, and upon retirement his son Rick took over the business.

Mike’s hobbies included golfing which he enjoyed up until September 2020, bowling, flying airplanes, doing yardwork, and putting up his notorious Christmas light displays.

Survivors include his wife Patricia "Patty" Groven; son Richard “Rick” Groven; sister Vernice White; brother Vernon Groven; three stepdaughters: Mitzi (Chip) Mitchell, Marci (Dan) Schortzmann, and Michelle (Todd) Hook; 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Gloria; one great-granddaughter; his parents; two brothers Harlan and Dennis Groven; and two sisters Carol and Ione.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, January 8, at the Kadoka City Auditorium.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, at the Kadoka City Auditorium.

Interment with military honors will follow at the Kadoka Cemetery.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 253 Kadoka, SD 57543.

Guest Book

My sympathy to all of Mike's family. He was one of the first people I met when I moved to Philip. I always considered him a friend.
~ Elaine Staben Bozeman, MT (1/7/2021)

I will miss you and wish we could have spent more time together, but I am thankful for the time we did have.
~ Julie Ann-Tveit Coons Champlin, MN (1/6/2021)

We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Always an inspiration for his work ethic and friendly ways. God bless you, Patty, and all his family.
~ Kenny & Lyndy Ireland Philip, SD (1/10/2021)

Rick and family
My condolences
~ Jim Good Martin (1/5/2021)

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Dear Patty and family, How sorry we were to hear of Mike's death. The two of you certainly knew how to decorate a house for Christmas.
We miss you all.
~ Gary & Ruth McCubbin 667 Wall Rd, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281 (1/10/2021)

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~ Bob & Sharel Spears Wickenburg (1/5/2021)

SD Patty and family sorry to hear about Mike May he RIP
~ Lloyd and Terri Johnston Kadoka (1/6/2021)

I have so many wonder memories of 'Uncle Mike' as I called him. From growing up when he would bring his horse out to my parents (Earl & Erma Gabriel) ranch to ride & help us work cattle. To him letting my mom borrow his brand new Lincoln Town-Car to take me from Philip hospital to Rapid City Regional when I broke my leg in 1982 (probably because she didn't want to pay for an ambulance ride haha). I do believe he even came to a couple of the theatrical productions I was in...I will always remember being greeted by his great big hugs, that big smile & he was always there to lend a helping hand. I was just thinking of him the other day, wondering how he was doing...maybe he was telling me goodbye. He was a great fella & he will be missed by everyone who knew him. My sympathies to Patty, Rick & the rest of the family. Hold your memories close, for they will give you peace in the days & weeks ahead. My thoughts & prayers to you all.
~ Cindy Gabriel Nuzum Wall, SD (1/9/2021)

Rick & family, So sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and Prayers.
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (1/5/2021)

Patty and Family, Chris and I are so sorry to hear of your loss, may God bless and keep you thru this hard time.
~ Diana Elwood Volborg, MT (1/8/2021)

Sending Prayers and hugs to Patty and family.
~ Barbara Coller Rokke Maplewood, MN (1/7/2021)

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
~ Carolyn Heltzel Midland (1/7/2021)

Our family really enjoyed every minute with Mike. He and my dad were such good friend. They often talked about WWII, and in particular the Air Force. Many hours were spent on the topic of flying. He was always so busy doing things especially at the beginning of the planting season. I remember his Christmas lights and how they really stood out. I visited with him this last summer and with admiration I can say he was an example of a life well-lived. My deepest condolences. Edward Kodet
~ Edward Kodet Minneapolis (1/9/2021)