Jerry Allen Groth

Jerry Allen Groth, 61, died on Nov. 21, 2011, with his son, Shane, and grandson, Reed, at his side. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He was born Aug. 5, 1950, in Northwood, N.D., the son of Lewis and Florence (Erickson) Groth.

Jerry worked for the Stromberg Carlson Telephone Company from 1970-74. He moved to Alaska in 1974 and worked for the Sitka Telephone Company from 1974-76 before moving to the Mat-Su Valley to work for MTA from 1976-98. Jerry then worked for Alcan Electric from 1998 to 2001 before his retirement in 2006 from City Electric. He was a member of IBEW Local 1547 and NECA, and belonged to the Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Jaycees and was awarded the supervisor of the year honor when he worked for MTA.

A celebration of life gathering for family and friends is at the Mug-Shot Saloon at 2 p.m., Dec. 3 with a potluck to follow.

Jerry enjoyed playing golf, football, basketball and snowmobiling.

Surviving are his wife, Margaret (Peggy) Groth of Wasilla; daughter, Mary Groth Grubbs and her husband Rhame of Fairbanks; son, Shane Groth and his wife Penny of Palmer; stepson, Thomas Fidler and his wife Colleen of Palmer; grandchildren, Jordan Derrick of Grand Forks, N.D., Reed Derrick of Palmer, Jason and Grace Serrano of Wasilla, Cannon and Sierra Fidler of Palmer, and Tristen and Axel Oden Groth of Palmer; brother, Gail Groth and his wife Judy of Longview, Wash.; sisters, Diane Tufte of Plymouth, Minn., and Linda Amundson of Richfield, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Lewis and Florence Groth.

Jerry was a quiet man with a great sense of humor; he was non-judgmental and helpful to all. His last few years were hard and painful, but he always had a gentle smile for visitors.

Jerry’s children remember him as a younger man, a stronger man who loved the outdoors, accepting all Mother Nature had to offer — a Jerry vibrant in the sunshine, holding a canteen, building a campfire and getting the wood-fired hot tub stoked.

Family and friends will remember Jerry as a man who enjoyed life, valued family, worked hard, earned others’ respect, led by example and was both just and fair. He was a good man who was honest to all and loyal to those deserving. He didn’t always have a lot to say, but when he did those who knew him would say it was worth hearing.

“Jerry, on this day we all wish you a safe and quick journey by way of Odin’s Valkyries to your honored place in Valhalla, where you will feast every night to the end of days, cheering for those Vikings to prevail,” his family said.

When asked how he wanted to be remembered he would always say that, “I worked hard and I played hard.”

Jerry’s wishes would be for no flowers to be sent on his behalf, but that a donation to any animal rescue or shelter would be money well spent.

Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory Wasilla cared for the family.