1936
2017
Wayne Groff, 81, died on December 31, 2017, 18 months after experiencing a debilitating stroke. He is survived by his two daughters, Kelly & Lee; three grandchildren, Craig, Ryan, and Cole; many nieces, nephews, in-laws; and close friends.
Wayne was born in Hays, Kansas on January 18, 1936 to Nellie and James Groff. He was the youngest of five children. Wayne married Ida Lang in 1956, and proudly served his country in the Navy, retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer in 1977 after 20 years of service. His second career was VP of Computer Operations for First Interstate Bank (presently Wells Fargo), and retired after 11 years of service in 1991.
Wayne loved his family deeply and unconditionally, and if you were lucky enough to be a friend of his, you were a friend for life.
There will be no services, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Hospice of the Valley.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary.
5 Entries
January 6, 2018
Doug Dong
Wayne was a special person to work with. Always friendly and cooperative.
January 5, 2018
John Vosburgh
I was extremely fortunately to know Wayne in 2 of my careers. I first met Wayne in the US Navy when I was assigned to the XD Division of the USS Simon Lake (AS-33) in August of 1970. The ship was at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA. It was in dry dock undergoing a major overhaul. The XD Division was the computer operations arm of the ship. Wayne had about 20 enlisted men reporting to him when I arrived. I was one of the 20. The ship left Bremerton in March 1971, traveled down the west coast, stopping for 3 days in Acapulco, Mexico. After that we transited the Panama Canal and headed to our new homeport Charleston, SC. After getting settled in Charleston, we made two deployments. One to Guantanamo, Cuba and then to Groton, CT. Eventually we returned to the Charleston area and were stationed at the naval weapons station up the Cooper River at Goose Creek. In February of 1972 I was honorably discharged, leaving the Simon Lake, the active Navy, Charleston and Wayne behind. Never did I think that Wayne and I would work together again. In November 1980, I joined First National Bank of Arizona in Phoenix. I was pleasantly surprised to meet up with Wayne again. I survived multiple bank mergers through the years and finally left Wells Fargo in 1998. Wayne and I stayed in touch in the years that followed. Wayne was always my mentor, looking out for my best interests. I was an easy target in those days in the Navy. He kept me out of harm's way on several occasions. Lots of humorous stories I could tell. Wayne was a great friend and kept me out of trouble. I always respected his sage advice and keen sense of morality. I miss Wayne now. He was always rock solid as a sailor and as a banking professional. The world is better off due to Wayne Groff. Thank you Wayne for everything.
January 4, 2018
Linda Hileman
I was lucky enough to work with Wayne at the Bank - he was a gem to work with and a true friend. I will miss him. Thanks for always sending updates on Wayne's condition. He certainly was a fighter. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Lee, and the rest of the family.
January 4, 2018
Marlene Castle
Wayne will always be remembered and respected! He made our time special as part of First Interstate Bank. My best, funny memory was the day he dressed as a women (wig, heals, make up, everything). It was a great team builder and we laughed for years about it.
Lee thank you for your friendship when we came to visit your dad, you are a very special person.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
January 2, 2018
Jean
My deepest sympathies. May the "peace from God" help to ease the pain of your grief during this time.1 Corinthians 1:3,4
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