Theodore "Ted" D. Groft

Theodore "Ted" D. Groft, 85, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Born January 4, 1931 in Wheeling, West Virginia, the son of Blair and Nioma (Duncan) Groft. Ted served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He married Eva Jane Robinson in August 1955 in Moundsville, West Virginia; they just celebrated their 60th anniversary. Ted Graduated with a B.B.A. Degree from Marshall College and earned an M.B.A Degree from Keller Graduate School in Chicago, IL. Ted's working years were in corporate accounting, finance, and production management, and he was a member of the adjunct faculty at William Rainey Harper College in Palatine, IL as an accounting instructor for 15 years. A devoted husband and father, his compassion and generous spirit extended to people and animals without homes, and he volunteered at PADS Emergency Homeless Shelter for 15 years. He is survived by his wife, Eva and daughters; Kathy (Rob) Steffen of Spring Green, WI, Jane Groft of San Francisco, CA, brother, Bill (Sonnie) Groft and brother in law, John (Sherri) Robinson of Batavia, IL, and his nieces and nephews.

His memorial service is on Saturday, April 9 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rockford (2821 N. Bell School Road) where he was a member. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. and the service is at 11. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity. Two of Ted's favorite charities are PAWS Humane Society (P.O. Box 7722, Rockford, IL 61126) and Rockford Rescue Mission (P.O. Box 1958, Rockford, IL 61110). Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, assisted the family. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.