FAIRMONT - Over the years, Chuck Groth moved around a lot for his job, but Fairmont was home, his family said.
Chuck, 77, known for his roles as former mayor, founder of Fairmont Glows and family man, died Wednesday morning at Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont. His son, Kevin Groth, made the announcement that afternoon through the family's Caring Bridge website, created in October when his father was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Today, the community will have an opportunity to convey its condolences from 4-7 p.m. during a visitation at Lakeview Funeral Home. Visitation will continue an hour prior to 1 p.m. funeral services Saturday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Fairmont. Burial will follow in Cedar Lutheran Cemetery, Trimont.
Charles Lawrence Groth was born May 28, 1934, on a farm outside Sherburn. After graduating from Sherburn High School, he attended Mankato State College, until enlisting in the U.S. Army.
After his honorable discharge, he returned to his hometown of Sherburn, where he would live for a short while after marrying Kay Bolte in 1960. Three years later, Chuck began working for People's Natural Gas, starting out as a serviceman and retiring in 1995 as district manager.
The Groth family lived in Iowa, Minnesota and Kansas, staying in Fairmont from 1987 to 1992. When he retired, Chuck and Kay moved back to Fairmont.
"He did a lot of volunteering, a lot," said Kay, sitting in her living room near a coffee table strewn with photos of her husband. "In each location we lived, part of his job was to volunteer and get to know his community."
And he did it well.
One of the pictures that stands out is a laminated newspaper clipping of Chuck attaching a strand of Christmas lights to a tree at Ward Park. Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce director Bob Wallace said Chuck was one of the individuals who helped start Fairmont Glows. In its heyday, the tradition included lighting up enormous evergreens and animal figurines at Ward Park.
"I'm definitely going to miss him," Wallace said. "He was a wonderful individual."
Chuck's commitment to the community didn't end with his retirement. He remained active in the Chamber of Commerce, serving on the board of directors, Fairmont Glows Committee, Bureau 14 and the Ag Business Committee. In 1999, he ran for mayor of Fairmont. He served two terms, from 2000 to 2006, during which the multi-million dollar Cenex Harvest States facility was constructed, the soccer fields were created and the Lake Avenue Bridge was replaced. He also was serving on the city's planning committee until his health prevented him from attending meetings.
"He was very interested in the betterment of the community," said city administrator Jim Zarling. "... He was a real straight shooter and just a pleasure to work with."
Chuck also was active in church, the Lions Club, Exchange Club, Jaycees and Fairmont Area Foundation. But he wasn't too busy to be a father and grandfather.
Kevin Groth has fond memories of his dad.
"He coached my brother and I in almost everything we did, making sure we got to hockey, football, whatever sport it happened to be," Kevin said.
When he went on to play football in college, his parents missed only two games in four years: "I can't tell you how much that meant to me. It was important [to dad] to show up for things."
Chuck's four grandchildren will remember their grandpa for similar reasons. He traveled to attend their events and bundled them up to bring them to the Fairmont Glows Parade, even in the coldest, craziest weather, his daughter-in-law, Theresa Groth, said with a smile.
"He would always leave them quarters; he put them in difference places, and when they found them, they were always very excited," she said.
In memory of the man his friends and loved ones described as a "giver," the family asks that memorials be given in Chuck's name to the American Cancer Society, Lutheran Hour Ministries or the donor's choice.
