Ronald Wayne DeGroff, 69, of Toledo, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at ProMedica Ebeid Hospice Residence, following a long illness. He was born on December 10, 1946 in Wauseon, Ohio to Vivian (Kepler) DeGroff and the late Harvey DeGroff.
Surviving is his wife of 44 years, Lynne (Rivkin) DeGroff of Toledo, Ohio; one daughter Jennifer (Matthew) Toker of Macedonia, Ohio; one son Christopher (Kimberly) DeGroff of Apex, North Carolina; his mother Vivian DeGroff of Stryker, Ohio; and five grandchildren, Joshua, Alyssa, Katelyn, Bradley, and Justin. He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey DeGroff, as well as his brother, Jerry DeGroff.
Ron graduated from Stryker High school in 1964 and enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he earned the rank of Sergeant during his four years of active service. He was a Vietnam Veteran who flew in 82 reconnaissance missions with the 553rd Recon Wing. After his honorable discharge in 1968, he attended Ohio State University, where he met his wife of almost 45 years. They were married in December, 1971, and settled in Bryan, Ohio. He was the distribution manager at Challenge Cook Brothers until they closed, and the family then relocated to Toledo, Ohio in 1984. Ron pursued several career interests, including sales of heavy machinery and trucks, installation of computer systems, and ultimately fulfilled a long time desire to earn his license to drive commercial trucks cross country. He retired in 2008.
Throughout his life, Ron pursued many interests and hobbies. He was a charter member of the Bryan Ohio, Jaycees, established in 1972. Ron was an avid competitive shooter and was very active with the Adams Conservation Club. He served many roles there, including serving as a member of the board of trustees, vice president, chairman of the Hi-Power league, and actively involved in the junior rifle program. He participated in many shooting matches all over Ohio and Michigan, and enjoyed volunteering at national matches at Camp Perry, near Port Clinton, Ohio. Ron served in the Ohio Army National Guard as a member of the 323rd Military Police Company in Toledo, Ohio. He enlisted in September, 1991 and went into inactive ready reserve status in 1996. In 1992, Ron was a member of the Ohio National Match Rifle team that won the Winston P. Wilson Championship. Ron was a member of the American Legion Post 60 in Stryker, Ohio. Ron was active in the Lucas County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES), an organization committed to using communication skills and equipment to assist communities in times of disaster, or for public service at planned events.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at the Stryker United Brethren Church, with Pastor Nick Woodall officiating. Interment will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery in Stryker. Friends may call on Monday, October 3, 2016 from 2-5pm and 6-8pm at the United Brethren Church at 104 East Short Street in Stryker. Memorial Contributions may be made to ProMedica Hospice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com. Grisier Funeral Home in Stryker has been entrusted with arrangements.