Walter Eugene Groninger, Jr.

Walter Eugene Groninger Jr. passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the age of 99.  He lived in Midland, Michigan since 2004 after moving from Warsaw, Indiana.

Walter Eugene Groninger Jr. was born on April 28, 1923.  He graduated from Warsaw High School in 1941.  After high school, he joined the Army and was a medic during World War II.  Once he returned from the war, he attended Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana to pursue a degree in pharmacy.  Though Eugene had a pharmacist license, he worked for Lake City Bank and Warsaw Water Utilities, now known as Indiana American Water Company.  Eugene married Doris Maxine Stickler on July 28, 1946, and together they raised two sons in Warsaw, Indiana.

Eugene kept himself very involved in the community.  Eugene was a charter member of the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club, a member of the Warsaw Jaycees, a member of the American Legion Post 49 Warsaw, and the president of the Warsaw computer club.  He also enjoyed volunteering for the Boy Scouts of America where he was presented with the district award of merit.  In addition, Eugene belonged to the Order of the Arrow, which is a national camping honor society recognizing those who exemplify good service.  A special honor was bestowed upon Eugene back on April 24, 2002, where it was declared “Gene Groninger Day” by the mayor of Warsaw, Indiana.

Eugene also attended church in Warsaw at Trinity United Methodist.  Eugene had a strong passion for genealogy.  Long before ancestry websites, Eugene would spend hours on his computer researching his family lineage and tracking it within “family tree” based software.  Whenever the family would gather, Eugene always would talk about his latest findings.  Most recently, Eugene looked forward to sharing his meals each Monday at Bob Evans with his caregiving family.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife, Doris Maxine Stickler Groninger.  He is survived by his sons Greg Duane (Carol) Groninger of Midland, Michigan and Bruce Alan Groninger of Ottawa, Kansas; grandsons Edward Groninger and Tim Groninger; great grandchildren Riley Bradley and Madelyn Groninger.

He is also survived by his caregiving family who provided comfort and compassion; Katherine (Steve) Beckord of Midland, Michigan including Savanna Beckord, Carrie Beckord, Nick (Riley) Beckord, Katie Beckord, LaighLa Beckord, Addy Beckord, Bobby Beckord, Letty, Landon, and Zachary.

A memorial service will be held at Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Saturday February 4, 2023, at 11:00 am. Family will receive guest from 10:00 a.m.until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club (www.warsawoptimist.org) in honor of Walter Eugene Groninger, Jr.

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