Ernest Ralph Groves

Ernest was born on May 19, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Joseph Groves and Sophie (Kujawa) Groves. He attended Pulaski High School in Milwaukee.

On June 23, 1956, Ernest married Ellen M. Breckheimer. Together they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage. In 1991, they made their home in the Longmont area after relocating from Sussex, Wisconsin.

Ernest dedicated over 30 years of his career to Briggs & Stratton Corporation, where he worked his way up from a setup man to Plant Superintendent. Taking “30 years & out", Ernest retired at the young age of 48 in 1984. He enjoyed 42 years of retirement with Ellen, and Ernest occasionally took on contract work whenever the spirit moved him.

He was a private pilot who loved building and flying large-scale model airplanes and was a member of the Bo Modeling Club and the Longmont Model Flying Club. Astronomy was one of his greatest passions. He owned several telescopes and never passed up an opportunity to share his knowledge with anyone willing to listen.

Music was another lifelong love. Ernest played guitar in both western and rock bands in Wisconsin and later taught himself to play the organ and piano entirely by ear. His artistic talents extended into photography, where he developed his own photographs in a home darkroom. He created numerous large watercolor paintings that are treasured by his family, sold several of his works, and earned awards for his artistic achievements.

For more than 11 years, his faithful black Labrador, Crystal, was his constant companion and beloved friend.

Ernest was a lifelong Catholic whose greatest joy was his family.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen Groves; his children, Stephen Groves Sr. (Debra), Patricia Peters (John), and Elaine Brock (Joseph); his grandchildren, Brian (Brianne) Peters, Michael (Kristen) Peters, Stephen Groves Jr. (Ashley), Daniel (Bethany) Groves, Joshua (Shelby) Groves, twins Stephanie Muckerheide (Cody) and Matthew Peters, Taylor Brock, and Nicole Brock; and his great-grandchildren, Evan Peters, Eli Peters, Elena Muckerheide, Roman Muckerheide, Jaxon Groves, McKenna Groves, Emmett Groves, Amelia Groves, Grayson Groves, and Arlo Groves.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Robbin, who passed away in August 2024; his parents, Joseph and Sophie Groves; his brothers, Alvin, Richard, Robert, Donald, and Sylvester Groves; his sister, Josephine "Dorothy" Olejniczak, and brother in law, Ralph Olejniczak; and his nephews, Ronald Olejniczak and Kenneth Olejniczak.

A private service for Ernest will be held at a later date.