Brian James Groff was, “living the dream,” as he would say. Family life: check. Successful career: check. Travels & adventures: check! He was the best at whatever he set his mind to. We were married for 14 wonderful years, & he was a loving father to our 3 children; Brayden, Jordan, & Brylee. Brian passed away peacefully at home on Saturday July 11th. Cancer came and took his, & our joy away. His battle was less than a year. How robbed he is of the long, long life he should have been due. We can only rejoice in knowing he is with the Lord, and we will see him again. Brian was a great man. He was so very kind, so smart, & so loyal to ALL who knew him. Brian grew up in Shakopee MN, with a large, loving family. He was a son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, & friend to many. He graduated a Shakopee Saber in 1999, and was accepted into the University of Minnesota in Duluth where he received a Bachelors in Business. Brian was an overachiever and took it a step further and joined the United States Navy, where he became a nuclear machinest mate. He served 10 years, including 2 deployments and multiple underways on the USS Abraham Lincoln, which allotted him an opportunity to see the world. His great love for the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, deer hunting, fishing and softball will be carried on through all who knew him. He impacted us all in a way that makes us want to be better. May his infectious smile, warm hugs, & witty humor fill our minds when we think of him. If any of you hear Biggie Smalls come on the radio, and the words, “I love it when you call me big papa,” flood your ears, I hope you smile, & know in that moment, that Brian is with you.
Brian, I promise you I will raise our children in Christ, so that they may come to know the Lord, & enter into Heaven one fine day, & see not only Him, the keeper of our souls, but also you, their beloved father, again. I love you so so much Brian. So very much. Not one heart you impacted will ever forget you. You are incredibly missed. We all look forward to the day we will meet again.
All our love, to our precious Brian.
Your loving wife, forever & always,
Mariea
The Lord bless you, & keep you.
The Lord make his face to shine upon you, & be gracious to you, and give you peace.
Brian is preceded in death by his father, Randy Groff. Grandparents Jean & Kenneth Hanel, Jim & Elinore Groff, Hugh & Jan Etzell, & brother in law Jon Wirtz. Brian is survived by his wife Mariea, & their 3 children, Brayden (13), Jordan (10), and Brylee (7). His mother Lauri & step father Mike Etzell. Brother Luke, sister in law Allison, & niece & nephew Quinny and Levi. Sister Angie & nephew Andrew, & niece Maddy. Brother Brad, & nephews Emmanual, Gabriel, and Judah. Aunt Lisa & Uncle Keith, & cousins Jeremy, Ronnie, Ashlyn, & Jaxon. Jim, Lena & Liam. John. Sara, Matt, Charlotte, & Christopher. Uncle Mike, Aunt Linda, & cousin Tasha. Aunt Debbie, & cousins Matt, Jason, Nicole, Parker, & Mackenzie.
Brian’s Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday July 22nd, what would have been his 40th birthday. The location is Quarry Community Church. 3939 Chelsea Rd Monticello MN 55362. A one hour viewing is scheduled for 1pm. Service begins at 2pm. 3pm is a dessert fellowship for family and friends to come together and have a few of Brians favorite treats. This will conclude the day. The Quarry is offering a live stream of Brian's service on their facebook page. Visit Quarry Community Church Facebook page for info.
Thursday July 23rd, will be a private family interment with Military Honors at Fort Snelling.
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