June 20, 1944 - December 10, 2021
Jon Norris Groth
Age 77, of Bloomington, formerly of Edina/St. Louis Park, For four years, Jon struggled with dementia/Alzheimer's. He is now out of pain and in a better place.
Jon graduated from Minneapolis Central High School in 1962. He was a lifelong social warrior. He served in the Peace Corps for 2 years in the Philippines in the 60s. He spent his working and retirement time on projects to help children and families in need. Jon traveled the world. He was very proud of our Norwegian heritage and visited Norway several times. He was honored to have a Lutheran upbringing by his parents, grandparents, godparents and other family and friends. He wants his love for his birth family, late wife, Joanne Helen Groth and extended family in the US, Philippines, Argentina and Italy to be remembered. He had a love for all peoples of this world and made efforts towards world understanding and peace. Jon was an active member of the Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club and past member of the St. Louis Park Chamber of Commerce.
Survived by siblings, Judy Gross (Richard Sandeen) of Richfield, Jim (Karen) Groth of San Diego, and Hugo (Lilliana) Cives of Argentina; friends, Vaman and Cindy Pai and their sons; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Preceded in death by wife, Joanne (née, Pech); and parents, Norris and Lillian Groth.
The family expresses its sincere gratitude for the loving and compassionate care provided by D1 Minnesota Masonic Home staff.
Memorials preferred to the Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Foundation at 2315 Chicago Avenue So., Minneapolis, MN 55404 or the Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club Foundation at P.O. Box 52069, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Celebration of Life
Saturday, April 30, 2022
11:00AM
Visitation 1 hour prior
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
1701 W Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431
For live-steam, please use this link:
youtube.com/stlukesbloomington.
Interment
Private
Pleasantview Memorial Gardens
Hwy 13 E,
Burnsville, MN 55337
Jon was a good friend to us, and we will miss him. We shared many experience together, including lutefisk dinners, fish dinners at Lent, love for all things Norwegian, and our wedding, where he was a groomsman. We are glad he is now at peace. Our condolences to his family and friends. We look forward to celebrating his life in the Spring.
So sad to lose my buddy Jon. our friendship started in Peace Corps Philippines and remained strong to this day
We were fortunate to meet Jon because he was a Peace Corps buddy of my brother -Gerard (Jerry) Capozzalo. Over the years, my brother would come out from NYC to visit us in North Oaks and we would all get together with Jon. Jon was the kindest, most generous man with a great sense of humor. At Christmas, he would treat us to his Cranberry Candy Bark and his famous secret Spice Mix, which we are still cooking with today. We enjoyed many happy hours in his company and will miss his warm smile and infectious laugh. Our condolences to his family and many friends. Bunny and Tom Stuart
My friendship with Jon goes back to 1966 when we met in the Peace Corps Philippines training program in Pepekeo, Hawaii. Our friendship has grown and remained strong for all these years primarily through the periodic reunions of our training group, “the Pepekeo Poopers” and our regular family trips to Minnesota to visit my sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Tom Stuart -who like me and Petra consider Jon as family. Jon was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known. His Peace Corps spirit- dedication to the service of others- continued throughout his life. Jon definitely help make the world a better place. While deeply saddened by his passing, it was a blessing to have had our paths cross and an honor to have enjoyed his love and friendship for all these years. Rest in peace my dear friend. Congratulations on a life well lived. You will be missed. Condolences to your family and friends. Jerry and Petra Capozzalo
Four times Anne and I organized Peace Corps reunions at Isle of Palms, S.C. Jon attended them all and never failed to bring us some small token of appreciation. One year it was a packet of some exclusive wild rice that was only found in Minnesota, another time it was a bobblehead hula girl as a remebrance of our training site in Hilo, Hawaii. That was Jon. Always thoughtful and quick to smile.
Jon was such a terrific person and one who really thought about others. He was a charter member of the Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club. He did so much to make the club a success. He volunteered all the time. He was always using his time and talent to better the lives of others.
He had such a positive attitude and a person you always wanted to see. He did so much, and everyone appreciated his extra effort. He will be missed by all that knew him.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.