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MIDDLEFIELD -- Kenneth M. "Ken" Groff, born March 2, 1937, in Middlefield, lived a remarkable life defined by hard work, generosity, unwavering integrity and a deep love for family and friends. He passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Norma (Burt) Groff; his brother, Walter Groff; and the love of his life for 38 years, Marian Soltis Groff.
He is survived by his current wife of almost three years, Debbie Berney Groff; his sister, Gayle Lockhart; his five children, Tim (Ginny), Mike (Irene), Marcia (Gary) Flattum, Tiffany Saks and Lance; 10 grandchildren, Aubrey, Tessa, Jeremy, Hunter, Payton, Paige, Wyatt, Kolbie, Charlie and Natalya; five great-grandchildren, Dillion, Brynleigh, Wesley, Luna and Nova, with two more great-grandchildren expected soon; his first wife, Patricia Kellogg Kipp; and many members of the Soltis family.
To know Ken was to admire and love him. He was often described as a "family man," "a man of honesty and integrity," and "one of the kindest, most generous people they had ever met." His warm smile, genuine interest in others and contagious kindness made everyone feel valued. He believed in taking care of people and treated everyone with respect and lived those values every day. At 89 years old, Ken was still a kid at heart. He was a legendary prankster and many family members and friends were lucky enough or unlucky enough to be on the receiving end of his practical jokes more than once.
As a young man, Ken's work ethic and energy were unmatched. In addition to playing basketball and football in high school, he worked at a dairy, a mortuary, a newspaper and many other jobs before beginning his career at a rubber manufacturing plant. Through determination and a natural curiosity about making things work more efficiently, he worked his way up the ranks. When the opportunity came to start his own business, he seized it.
Fifty-seven years ago, with a small loan from his father and a dream, Ken founded his plastic injection molding company, Venture Plastics Inc. He personally delivered his first shipment in a horse trailer. That humble beginning grew into a thriving manufacturing business employing nearly 200 people, eventually expanding with a second location in El Paso, Texas, now celebrating its 20th year.
Ken never forgot where he came from. His business helped strengthen the small Ohio community he loved by supporting schools, fire departments, infrastructure and local growth. On the company's 50th anniversary, the town honored his lifelong commitment by temporarily renaming streets throughout the community: "Ken Groff Avenue," "Ken Groff Road," and "Ken Groff Drive," and the mayor recognized the profound impact Ken had made on generations of families and the community itself.
Eventually, Ken semi-retired and found the place where his soul truly belonged, Montana. Some of his happiest days were spent working alongside his family at his beloved cabin in the Crazy Mountains mowing pastures, fixing fences, clearing brush and cutting firewood, all surrounded by the beauty he treasured, or on the golf course with the wonderful friends he proudly called his "golf buddies." An avid golfer, he played courses around the world, enjoying the friendships as much as the competition. One of his favorite golf memories was caddying for his best friend, Bob Lewis, at the U.S. Open.
Ken loved spending time with family and friends, collecting far more treasures than anyone could count, and embracing each day with optimism. His smile lit up every room, and he found joy in nearly everything he did.
While Ken built a successful business and an impressive career, those accomplishments were never what defined him most. His true legacy is found in his family and in the countless lives he touched with his generosity, compassion, encouragement and unwavering belief in others.
A life so well lived leaves an imprint that time can never erase. Ken will be deeply missed, forever loved and remembered with gratitude by all whose lives were better because he was part of them.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Semper Fi & America's Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 102 PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057, https://thefund.org/donate; or The Camp Winchester Initiative, c/o Joseph Soltis, 12802 N. 177th Drive, Surprise, AZ 85388.
As per Ken's wishes, he will be cremated and a celebration of life will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, at the Grand Resort Pavillion (Avalon CC), 9519 E. Market St., Warren, with a time for sharing of memories at 2 p.m.
In Ken's memory, smile and show kindness to everyone you meet.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service, www.dokkennelson.com.
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