SUSANK — Robert Eugene Groff, 65, died Oct. 15, 2022, at Russell Regional Hospital, Russell, Kan.  He was born Nov. 9, 1956, in Hays, Kan., the son of Albert and Dolores (Dawson) Groff.  

Robert grew up in Hays, Kan., and worked for his father hauling trash and then later for Ideal Refuge with Hammie and Billy Rupp. He often remarked on how he loved his trash truck days and was proud of the work he did. He later worked as a pumper for his father-in-law, Gerald Michaelis Oil.

He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell. Robert was an avid train enthusiast, traveling to different locations to watch the trains, and was a member of the Golden Belt Model Railroad Association.

He is survived by his spouse of 20 years, Tonya Michaelis of the home; sons, Alan Groff of Wichita, and Daniel (Kiley) Groff of Vici, Okla.; brothers, Jamie (Linda) Groff of Stockton, Gary Groff of Hays, and Ronnie (Danielle) Groff of La Crosse; sisters, Alberta (Clair) Rogers of Liebenthal, Regina (Donald) Fahl of Portland, Ore., and Becky Gerhardt of Hays; five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Groff; mother, Dolores Wood; brother, Vic Groff; sister, Cathy Gilbert; and mother-in-law, Elizabeth Michaelis.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, with family to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with John Dumler, PMA presiding. Burial will follow in Michaelis Cemetery, rural Galatia, Kan. Memorials may be made to the Robert Groff Memorial Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

PO Box 146

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 19. 2022