Neal Cansler

M
Father*Hershell Eldon Cansler b. 25 Nov 1910, d. 7 Jul 1990
Mother*Anna May Schmidt b. 1917, d. 7 Oct 1995
Life EventDateDescription
Neal Cansler was the son of Hershell Eldon Cansler and Anna May Schmidt.

Sandra Cansler

F
Father*Hershell Eldon Cansler b. 25 Nov 1910, d. 7 Jul 1990
Mother*Anna May Schmidt b. 1917, d. 7 Oct 1995
Life EventDateDescription
Sandra Cansler was the daughter of Hershell Eldon Cansler and Anna May Schmidt.

Patricia Ellen Waddell

F, b. 10 September 1933, d. 26 May 2025
Father*Arthur Waddell
Mother*Floy Thomas b. 22 Nov 1905, d. 6 Apr 1993
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Name29 June 1952As of 29 June 1952,her married name was Gage.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth10 September 1933Patricia Ellen Waddell was born on 10 September 1933.
She was the daughter of Arthur Waddell and Floy Thomas.
Marriage29 June 1952Patricia Ellen Waddell married William Gage on 29 June 1952.
Death26 May 2025Patricia Ellen Waddell died on 26 May 2025 at age 91 Patricia Ellen Gage, age 91, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025 at Meadow Ridge Nursing Home, Baraboo, WI.

Patricia, daughter of Arthur and Floy (Thomas) Waddell was born on September 10, 1933 in Baraboo, WI. Patricia attended Baraboo High School, graduating Class of 1951. She married William Gage on June 29, 1952. After raising her 4 children, she worked at Red River Army Depot in Hooks, TX and Flambeau Inc. in Baraboo, WI. After retirement from Flambeau, Patricia enjoyed traveling and visited many lighthouses across the country. Reading and puzzles were her favorite hobbies.

Patricia is survived by her children, Jean Ruff, Michael (Angela) Gage and Peggy (James) Hand, siblings, Mary Alexander, Jan Kallian and Neil Waddell, 12 grandchildren, 17 greatgrandchildren 4 great greatgrandchildren and many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Art Jr. Waddell, Gordon Waddell and Joan Luedtke; daughter, Diana Goff; grandson, Jason Burton and great grandson, Cody Ruff.

Special thanks to Sheila Raudebush, Mary Alexander and Pat Dunse for their constant love and support along with the staff of Meadow Ridge Nursing Home and Agrace Hospice.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. at Walnut Hill Bible Church, 1900 East Street, Baraboo, WI on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 with Pastor Dan Gunderson officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the service at 11 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery.

Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family.

William Gage

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Life EventDateDescription
Marriage29 June 1952William Gage married Patricia Ellen Waddell, daughter of Arthur Waddell and Floy Thomas, on 29 June 1952.

Harold Melssen

M
Father*Leo Melssen b. 13 Nov 1888, d. 29 Sep 1956
Mother*Barbara Riemenapp b. 1 Nov 1892, d. 20 Oct 1989
Life EventDateDescription
Harold Melssen was the son of Leo Melssen and Barbara Riemenapp.
MarriageHarold Melssen married Irma (?)

Irma (?)

F
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Melssen.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageIrma (?) married Harold Melssen, son of Leo Melssen and Barbara Riemenapp.

Robert Melssen

M
Father*Leo Melssen b. 13 Nov 1888, d. 29 Sep 1956
Mother*Barbara Riemenapp b. 1 Nov 1892, d. 20 Oct 1989
Life EventDateDescription
Robert Melssen was the son of Leo Melssen and Barbara Riemenapp.

Lucida Melssen

F
Father*Leo Melssen b. 13 Nov 1888, d. 29 Sep 1956
Mother*Barbara Riemenapp b. 1 Nov 1892, d. 20 Oct 1989
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Schmit.
Life EventDateDescription
Lucida Melssen was the daughter of Leo Melssen and Barbara Riemenapp.
MarriageLucida Melssen married Ray Schmit.

Ray Schmit

M
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageRay Schmit married Lucida Melssen, daughter of Leo Melssen and Barbara Riemenapp.

Catherine Melssen

F
Father*Leo Melssen b. 13 Nov 1888, d. 29 Sep 1956
Mother*Barbara Riemenapp b. 1 Nov 1892, d. 20 Oct 1989
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Reisch.
Name VariationCatherine Melssen was also known as Kay.
Life EventDateDescription
Catherine Melssen was the daughter of Leo Melssen and Barbara Riemenapp.
MarriageCatherine Melssen married Louis Reisch.

Louis Reisch

M
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageLouis Reisch married Catherine Melssen, daughter of Leo Melssen and Barbara Riemenapp.

Florida Melssen

F
Father*Leo Melssen b. 13 Nov 1888, d. 29 Sep 1956
Mother*Barbara Riemenapp b. 1 Nov 1892, d. 20 Oct 1989
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Reuter.
Life EventDateDescription
Florida Melssen was the daughter of Leo Melssen and Barbara Riemenapp.
MarriageFlorida Melssen married Fritz Reuter.

Fritz Reuter

M
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageFritz Reuter married Florida Melssen, daughter of Leo Melssen and Barbara Riemenapp.

John J. Vogt

M, b. 3 September 1946, d. 29 May 2025
Father*Harlow Vogt b. 1922, d. 24 Oct 2000
Mother*Geraldine E. Menzel b. 1922, d. 17 Jan 2007
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationJohn J. Vogt was also known as Jake.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth3 September 1946John J. Vogt was born on 3 September 1946.
He was the son of Harlow Vogt and Geraldine E. Menzel.
MarriageJanuary 1970John J. Vogt married Judith Temperly in January 1970.
Death29 May 2025John J. Vogt died on 29 May 2025 at age 78 John J. “Jake” Vogt, 78, of Skemps Subdivision, Hazel Green, Wisconsin, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Church, Kieler, Wisconsin, with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. He will be interred at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 3-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 4 and 9-10:45 a.m. Thursday, June 5 at Immaculate Conception Parish Center, Kieler, Wisconsin. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City, Wisconsin, is assisting the family.

Jake was born on September 3, 1946, to Harlow and Geraldine (Menzel) Vogt. He grew up on the Vogt family farm on Plum Hollow Road. He graduated in 1965 from Hazel Green High School where he enjoyed playing baseball.

Jake was drafted into the United States Marine Corp on December 24, 1965, and was stationed with the Third Battalion, First Marine Corp near Du Nang, Vietnam. During this deployment he was exposed to Agent Orange near China Beach. That exposure led to a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2017. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corp in 1967 and went to work at the Dubuque Pack. He married Judith Temperly in January of 1970 and enjoyed thirty years of marriage before her death on June 1, 2000. Two children were born of this marriage, Julie (James) Miller and Jeffrey (Susie) Vogt. He was in a committed relationship with Judith (Watson) Hocking for twenty-four years at the time of his death. She survives him.

Jake joined the Wisconsin National Guard in 1986 and served with the 229 Engineering Unit out of Platteville and Prairie du Chien. During his more than 19 years of service he served in Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom with the 229th. His best stories involved a visit to one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces during his deployment. He was awarded a triple nickel coin during his last deployment for bravery. He retired from the National Guard in 2005.

Jake will be remembered for his sense of humor and hard work ethic. His service in three wars for his country was one of his greatest achievements. His name is included at several area veterans memorials commemorating his service, as well as a special stone at Highground Veterans Memorial in Neillsville, Wisconsin. He collected military memorabilia and model tractors. He loved visiting with friends and family. Trips to Florida for the coldest months of the year with Judy were some of his favorite adventures. She traveled to many military bases with Jake during their relationship. Our fondest memories will always include how many restaurants they could go to each year for Veterans Day to receive veteran’s specials.

Survivors include Judith Hocking; daughter, Julie (James) Miller and son, Jeff (Susie) Vogt; grandchildren, Jack and Allison Vogt, and Melissa and Sam Miller; his brothers, Steve (Barb), and Albert (Meredith); his sisters, Kris Vogt-Temperly and Anne (Arthur) Herbold; his godson David (Chris) Vogt and goddaughter, Diana (Jason) Schultz; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Judith Temperly

F, d. 1 June 2000
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameJanuary 1970As of January 1970,her married name was Vogt.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageJanuary 1970Judith Temperly married John J. Vogt, son of Harlow Vogt and Geraldine E. Menzel, in January 1970.
Death1 June 2000Judith Temperly died on 1 June 2000.

Monica S. O'Brien

F, b. 3 December 1936, d. 14 June 2025
Father*Joseph M. O'Brien b. 1898, d. 1951
Mother*Agnes M. Scallon b. May 1901, d. Apr 1980
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameApril 1961As of April 1961,her married name was McDermott.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth3 December 1936Monica S. O'Brien was born on 3 December 1936.
She was the daughter of Joseph M. O'Brien and Agnes M. Scallon.
MarriageApril 1961Monica S. O'Brien married Victor McDermott in April 1961.
Death14 June 2025Monica S. O'Brien died on 14 June 2025 at age 88 Monica S. McDermott, age 88, passed away peacefully in her home on June 14, 2025 surrounded by family.

She was born in Reedsburg, WI to Joseph and Agnes (Scallon) O’Brien and was raised on the family farm in Cazenovia, WI. Monica married Victor McDermott in April of 1961 and had four children.

Monica was a graduate of Reedsburg High School and crowned Homecoming Queen of her class.

Her greatest love was God. She lived the first Commandment with all her heart. This love flowed over and into Victor and her four children whom she served and adored. Monica’s love language was cooking and baking and she spread a lot of joy with her casseroles, bars and cookies!

Monica and Vic spent their winters in Palm Desert, CA. The door was open to kids, grandkids and friends; a peaceful haven for all.

Throughout the years, Monica volunteered at the Reedsburg Area Medical Center and served on the Sacred Heart Finance Committee and filled many needs at Sacred Heart School (sewing, bake sales, and helping with lessons during Catholic Schools Week, etc). Monica’s daily routine included visits to the Adoration Chapel, daily Mass and prayed as many rosaries as the day required.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vic; sisters, Margarette Ellen, in infancy, Marita (Jack); brother, Patrick (Frances); granddaughter, Sydney Kay, in infancy; great nephew, Danny Hughes.

Monica is survived by her children: Joseph “Jay” (Maria) McDermott, Sheila (David) Halbmaier and their children, Colin, Casey (fiance’, Megan), Brady and Libby, Kelly (Patrick) Linden and their children, Lexi (Garrett) (and great-granddaughter, Colette) and Ellen, Ellen (Brian) Hooker and their children, Cole (Emily), Luke, Reece and Kaden; several nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Monica McDermott will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reedsburg with Father Paul Arinze officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Ironton. The rosary will be prayed at 10:00 am in the Adoration Chapel in Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation will follow from 10:30 am until the time of the Mass. Memorials of remembrance may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

The Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Victor McDermott

M
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageApril 1961Victor McDermott married Monica S. O'Brien, daughter of Joseph M. O'Brien and Agnes M. Scallon, in April 1961.

Fred VanAcker

M, d. January 2004
Life EventDateDescription
Marriage1973Fred VanAcker married Eileen M. Hetzel, daughter of Herman Joseph Hetzel and Althea Riek, in 1973.
DeathJanuary 2004Fred VanAcker died in January 2004.

Kathryn Edith Balch

F, b. 12 May 1915, d. 26 September 2004
Father*Joseph Ralston Balch b. 20 Sep 1884, d. 27 Feb 1928
Mother*Jessie May Davis b. 7 Aug 1886, d. 30 Apr 1954
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationKathryn Edith Balch was also known as Edith Kathryn.
Married NameHer married name was Powers.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageKathryn Edith Balch married Raymond Dixon Powers.
Birth12 May 1915Kathryn Edith Balch was born on 12 May 1915 at Kansas.
She was the daughter of Joseph Ralston Balch and Jessie May Davis.
Death26 September 2004Kathryn Edith Balch died on 26 September 2004 at age 89.
DateLocationDescription
26 November 1936Wichita, Sedgwick, KansasKathryn Edith Balch was the matron of honor at the wedding of Clarence J. Lank and Marietta Angeline Balch on 26 November 1936 at Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas; Lank-Balch Vows Are Solemnized on Thanksgiving - Mrs Jessie Balch announces the marriage of her daughter, Miss Marietta Balch, and Clarence J. Lank, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Lank, which was solemnized Thanksgiving Day, November 26, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon at the home of the bride's mother. Reverend Schopf officiated. The bride was attended by her sister, Mrs. Raymond Powers as matron of honor. Mr. Powers was the best man. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lank graduated from the Wichita high school east. Mr. Lank attended the University of Wichita for two years.

Marietta Angeline Balch

F, b. 24 January 1918, d. 17 October 2010
Father*Joseph Ralston Balch b. 20 Sep 1884, d. 27 Feb 1928
Mother*Jessie May Davis b. 7 Aug 1886, d. 30 Apr 1954
Marietta Balch 1936
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationMarietta Angeline Balch was also known as Maritta.
Married Name26 November 1936As of 26 November 1936,her married name was Lank.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth24 January 1918Marietta Angeline Balch was born on 24 January 1918 at Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas.
She was the daughter of Joseph Ralston Balch and Jessie May Davis.
Marriage26 November 1936Marietta Angeline Balch married Clarence J. Lank on 26 November 1936 at Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas, Lank-Balch Vows Are Solemnized on Thanksgiving - Mrs Jessie Balch announces the marriage of her daughter, Miss Marietta Balch, and Clarence J. Lank, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Lank, which was solemnized Thanksgiving Day, November 26, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon at the home of the bride's mother. Reverend Schopf officiated. The bride was attended by her sister, Mrs. Raymond Powers as matron of honor. Mr. Powers was the best man. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lank graduated from the Wichita high school east. Mr. Lank attended the University of Wichita for two years.
The Wichita Beacon (Wichita, Kansas) 07 Dec 1936 - Marietta Balch and Clarence J Lank marriage announcement
Death17 October 2010Marietta Angeline Balch died on 17 October 2010 at Kansas at age 92.

Floradina Balch

F, d. before 1954
Father*Joseph Ralston Balch b. 20 Sep 1884, d. 27 Feb 1928
Mother*Jessie May Davis b. 7 Aug 1886, d. 30 Apr 1954
Life EventDateDescription
Floradina Balch was the daughter of Joseph Ralston Balch and Jessie May Davis.
Deathbefore 1954Floradina Balch died before 1954.

Deloris Irene Balch

F, b. 20 June 1925, d. 27 July 2007
Father*Joseph Ralston Balch b. 20 Sep 1884, d. 27 Feb 1928
Mother*Jessie May Davis b. 7 Aug 1886, d. 30 Apr 1954
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationDeloris Irene Balch was also known as Delores Irene.
Married Name17 February 1944As of 17 February 1944,her married name was Ainsworth.
Married Name20 January 1961As of 20 January 1961,her married name was Duke.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth20 June 1925Deloris Irene Balch was born on 20 June 1925 at Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas.
She was the daughter of Joseph Ralston Balch and Jessie May Davis.
Marriage17 February 1944Deloris Irene Balch married Robert Lee Ainsworth on 17 February 1944 MRS. ROBERT AINSWORTH, the former Miss Delores Balch, was married February 17 at the United Brethren church with Rev. Lawrence officiating. Mrs. Ainsworth is the daughter of Mrs. Jessie Balch. Mr. Ainsworth of San Antonio, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ainsworth.
The Wichita Beacon (Wichita, Kansas) 01 Mar 1944 - Delores Balch and Clarence J Ainsworth marriage announcement
Divorcebefore 1961Deloris Irene Balch and Robert Lee Ainsworth were divorced before 1961.
Marriage20 January 1961Deloris Irene Balch married James Leslie Duke Jr. on 20 January 1961 at Arkansas.
Death27 July 2007Deloris Irene Balch died on 27 July 2007 at age 82.

Steven R. Balch

M, b. 25 February 1910, d. 30 November 1998
Father*Joseph Ralston Balch b. 20 Sep 1884, d. 27 Feb 1928
Mother*Jessie May Davis b. 7 Aug 1886, d. 30 Apr 1954
Life EventDateDescription
Birth25 February 1910Steven R. Balch was born on 25 February 1910.
He was the son of Joseph Ralston Balch and Jessie May Davis.
Marriage16 October 1930Steven R. Balch married Mearle Life on 16 October 1930.
Death30 November 1998Steven R. Balch died on 30 November 1998 at age 88 Balch, Steven 88, retired IBEW Union heavy equipment operator, died Monday, Nov. 30, 1998. Service: 2 p.m. Thursday, Cedar Chapel United Methodist Church. Survivors: son, Gary, daughters, LaVada Snelling, LaVerna Gibbons, all of Wichita; sisters, Katheryn Powers of Omaha, Marietta Lank of Shell Knob, Delores Duke of Pawhuska, eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; four great-great Memorials have been established with Cedar Chapel United Methodist Church and South Riverside Baptist Church. Downing Lahey Mortuary East Chapel.

Clarence J. Lank

M, b. 3 October 1910, d. 26 January 1985
Life EventDateDescription
Birth3 October 1910Clarence J. Lank was born on 3 October 1910.
Marriage26 November 1936He married Marietta Angeline Balch, daughter of Joseph Ralston Balch and Jessie May Davis, on 26 November 1936 at Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas, Lank-Balch Vows Are Solemnized on Thanksgiving - Mrs Jessie Balch announces the marriage of her daughter, Miss Marietta Balch, and Clarence J. Lank, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Lank, which was solemnized Thanksgiving Day, November 26, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon at the home of the bride's mother. Reverend Schopf officiated. The bride was attended by her sister, Mrs. Raymond Powers as matron of honor. Mr. Powers was the best man. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lank graduated from the Wichita high school east. Mr. Lank attended the University of Wichita for two years.
The Wichita Beacon (Wichita, Kansas) 07 Dec 1936 - Marietta Balch and Clarence J Lank marriage announcement
Death26 January 1985Clarence J. Lank died on 26 January 1985 at age 74.

Mearle Life

F, b. 27 May 1910, d. 20 July 1990
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Name16 October 1930As of 16 October 1930,her married name was Balch.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth27 May 1910Mearle Life was born on 27 May 1910.
Marriage16 October 1930She married Steven R. Balch, son of Joseph Ralston Balch and Jessie May Davis, on 16 October 1930.
Death20 July 1990Mearle Life died on 20 July 1990 at age 80.

James Leslie Duke Jr.

M, b. 29 January 1925, d. 19 October 1993
Life EventDateDescription
Birth29 January 1925James Leslie Duke Jr. was born on 29 January 1925 at Kansas.
Marriage20 January 1961He married Deloris Irene Balch, daughter of Joseph Ralston Balch and Jessie May Davis, on 20 January 1961 at Arkansas.
Death19 October 1993James Leslie Duke Jr. died on 19 October 1993 at age 68.

Raymond Dixon Powers

M, b. 5 May 1909, d. July 1981
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageRaymond Dixon Powers married Kathryn Edith Balch, daughter of Joseph Ralston Balch and Jessie May Davis.
Birth5 May 1909Raymond Dixon Powers was born on 5 May 1909.
DeathJuly 1981He died in July 1981 at age 72.
DateLocationDescription
26 November 1936Wichita, Sedgwick, KansasRaymond Dixon Powers was the best man at the wedding of Clarence J. Lank and Marietta Angeline Balch on 26 November 1936 at Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas; Lank-Balch Vows Are Solemnized on Thanksgiving - Mrs Jessie Balch announces the marriage of her daughter, Miss Marietta Balch, and Clarence J. Lank, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Lank, which was solemnized Thanksgiving Day, November 26, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon at the home of the bride's mother. Reverend Schopf officiated. The bride was attended by her sister, Mrs. Raymond Powers as matron of honor. Mr. Powers was the best man. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lank graduated from the Wichita high school east. Mr. Lank attended the University of Wichita for two years.

Robert Lee Ainsworth

M, b. 12 February 1922, d. 2012
Life EventDateDescription
Birth12 February 1922Robert Lee Ainsworth was born on 12 February 1922 at Missouri.
Marriage17 February 1944He married Deloris Irene Balch, daughter of Joseph Ralston Balch and Jessie May Davis, on 17 February 1944 MRS. ROBERT AINSWORTH, the former Miss Delores Balch, was married February 17 at the United Brethren church with Rev. Lawrence officiating. Mrs. Ainsworth is the daughter of Mrs. Jessie Balch. Mr. Ainsworth of San Antonio, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ainsworth.
The Wichita Beacon (Wichita, Kansas) 01 Mar 1944 - Delores Balch and Clarence J Ainsworth marriage announcement
Divorcebefore 1961Robert Lee Ainsworth and Deloris Irene Balch were divorced before 1961.
Death2012Robert Lee Ainsworth died in 2012.

Alonzo M. Heath

M, b. 23 September 1911, d. 11 December 1996
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageAlonzo M. Heath married Marleta Fern Davis, daughter of Elgin Ulrich Davis and Florence Lacy Brookings.
Birth23 September 1911Alonzo M. Heath was born on 23 September 1911 at Kansas.
Death11 December 1996He died on 11 December 1996 at California at age 85.

Florence M. (?)

F, b. circa 1918
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Namebefore 1947As of before 1947,her married name was Davis.
Life EventDateDescription
Birthcirca 1918Florence M. (?) was born circa 1918 at Kentucky.
Marriagebefore 1947She married William Raymond Davis, son of Elgin Ulrich Davis and Florence Lacy Brookings, before 1947.

Charles Vincent Ekstrom

M
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationCharles Vincent Ekstrom was also known as Chuck.
Life EventDateDescription
Marriage16 March 1980Charles Vincent Ekstrom married Elizabeth Louise Stuhr on 16 March 1980.

Benjamin Barr Groff Jr.

M, b. 31 October 1958, d. 5 November 2014
Father*Benjamin Barr Groff b. 15 Feb 1929, d. 15 May 2004
Benjamin Barr (Barry) Groff
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationBenjamin Barr Groff Jr. was also known as Barry.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth31 October 1958Benjamin Barr Groff Jr. was born on 31 October 1958 at Oregon.
He was the son of Benjamin Barr Groff.
Death5 November 2014Benjamin Barr Groff Jr. died on 5 November 2014 at age 56 Benjamin (Barry) Barr Groff III 56, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 5. He was born Oct. 31, 1958 to Barr and Barbara (Wiesz) Groff.

Barry was born and raised in Prineville. He graduated from Crook County High School in 1977. At an age when high school students were figuring out how to buy their first car, Barry was figuring out how to purchase his first ranch. At 18 years old, as a senior he already purchased two pickup trucks and $90,000 worth of equipment with the money he earned from a business he called Barry’s Custom Haying. As a senior he was awarded the Star State Agribusiness man Award; Degree of State Farmer Award, and the District Agricultural Sales Proficiency Award, competing with 6,000 other members. He farmed 900 acres to which he raised cattle, potatoes, sugar beets, peppermint, and seed carrots. Barry continued that commitment as a businessman from that time until his passing.

Starting businesses and purchasing existing businesses of many types, he enjoyed every minute of being part of the team which stemmed from farming/ranching, restaurant/motel management, to rock manufacturing. He was a business owner that was so often behind the scenes and did not need glory for the work he did. You would hardly see him without his cell phone to his ear.

Barry has been the owner, Co-owner and past owner of many thriving business in the Prineville. Businesses to include: Barry’s Custom Haying, Barr-Lee Equipment Company as a Hesston Dealer, B & B Farms, Country Cab, Stafford Inn, Cross Street Station, GW Stafford, Club Pioneer, Rock Products Manufacturing, and Rock Products Cement Division. With each business, he donated much to the community of Prineville.

Barry enjoyed socializing with friends, fishing in Alaska, traveling, and spending time with his wife in John Day and at their home in Arizona.

Barry was preceded in death by his father Benjamin Barr Groff II of Prineville.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; mother, Barbara Groff of Prineville; sisters, Marlise` (Tom) Jay of Prineville; Denise Groff of New York City; children by marriage, Reed Colovos of Prineville, Marcelle (Josh) Howard of Bend, Chris (Leslie) Colovos of Prineville, Nick (Shyla) Colovos of Prineville, Craig (McKenzie) McCullough of Prineville; many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who have a special place in his heart.

Together, family and friends will miss his infectious smile, his remarkable generosity and wit. He had a way with words that was genuine.

The funeral service followed by a dessert social will be held Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Powell Butte Christian Church in Powell Butte. Pastor Chris Blair will officiate the service.