Cecil W. Groven

Cecil W. Groven, 89, of Garner, passed away Monday, November 3, 2025, at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 10, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner with Rev. Scott Kozisek officiating. Burial will be at Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday at Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St., Garner and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Cecil William Groven, the son of Clarence and Frances (Brattrud) Groven, was born on June 14, 1936, in Worth County, Iowa. When he was an infant, the family moved to the Canby, Minnesota area, and in 1949, they settled in Hanlontown. Cecil attended grade school in Hanlontown and left after the 8th grade to help support his family. On June 13, 1962, he married Marjorie Elaine Kanatas. To this union, Cecil welcomed a daughter, Lois, and a son, Charles, from Marjorie’s first marriage, and together they were blessed with five daughters. Throughout his life, Cecil worked hard and took pride in a job well done. He spent many years working for local farmers around the Hanlontown and Manly areas, as well as at the Sugar Beet Factory in Mason City. He later joined the team at Forester Trailer Factory, where he was known for his skill and dedication. Cecil’s exceptional woodworking talent brought joy to many– he crafted toys and other handmade items, often gifting them to friends and family. He also worked at Goodnature’s Department Store in Garner and eventually started his own lawn care business, which he operated for several years. On September 24, 1989, he married Lenora Roberts at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner. They made their home in Garner. Cecil found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved driving his tractor in annual tractor rides, pulling the float for his church in Garner during Duesey Days, camping, fishing, playing cards, and putting together jigsaw puzzles. He especially loved visiting with family and friends and had a true gift of gab. His easygoing nature, steady work ethic, and kind heart will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Cecil is survived by his daughters, Lois Nelson (Phil Perry) of Northwood, Sherry (Jeff) Dolphin of Britt, Tammy (Mike) Bain of St. Joseph, MO, Linda Sanders (Troy Schwichtenberg) of Rochester, Patricia Groven of Manly, and Karen Powers of Mason City; nine grandchildren, Russ Engstler, Scott (Valerie) Engstler, Lee (Misty) Nelson, Thomas Smith, Dustin (Tara) Schulz, Samantha Sanders, Nicholas Sanders, Alexandra (Richard) Smallwood and Savannah Moore; 17 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Carroll (Sandra) Groven, Richard Groven, Gilbert Groven and Jerry (Toni) Groven; sister, Clarice (Jim) Naumann; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Marjorie, in 1987; second wife, Lenora in 2016; sisters, Rosecella and Anna; brothers, Thomas and Robert; and step-son, Charles Smith.

Cecil’s life was one of faith, family, and friendship. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and craftsmanship that will continue to touch the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.