Wayne J Groesbeck

Wayne J. Groesbeck, of Muskegon, MI, left this world a better place on October 16, 2026, at the age of 81. He was born on January 20, 1945, in Albany, New York to parents Wilbur and Ruth Hilda (Williman) Groesbeck.

He attended Bethlehem Central High School in Delmar, New York, where he enjoyed various intellectual pastimes including Student Council Cabinet, J.V. Baseball Manager, Debate Club, and Editor-In-Chief of his high school newspaper, The Bethlehem Star, graduating in 1963. On August 28, 1965, he married his beloved wife of nearly 48 years, Sandra Jane Crosier, and together they expanded their family with the births of their two children, Adam Jay and Faith Janette. Wayne attended Hope College, graduating with a Baccalaureate in 1967, and then served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971. From 1971-1973, he worked for the New York Department of Social Services before relocating to Michigan and continuing his profession for over two decades. Wayne embodied being a Social Worker for his entire adult life, caring deeply & throwing his weight behind various humanitarian causes. In 1978, he found homes in Muskegon for Vietnamese refugees, in 1982 he passionately defended the rights of the workers in the Michigan State Employees Association, he raised awareness about the dangers of substance abuse risk by elderly people; and by 1985, he assisted the State of Michigan in a state study on elder abuse. By the mid-nineties, Mr. Groesbeck was advocating for the DNR to open their information

to the public regarding the waterways in West Michigan, setting the scene for what would become his most relentless work yet. At the dawn of the new millennium, in the year 2000, Wayne started organizing semiannual cleanups at Ryerson Creek and Fisherman’s Landing, which continue to this day. That same year, he became a founding Board Member of the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly. He had an excellent understanding of the power of

relationships and would spend the next 25+ years dedicating his life to networking, advocating, and educating the community about undoing the harm that had been done to the river during the past 150 years. Wayne was a wonderful storyteller and enjoyed connecting with people all throughout his life, as exemplified through his community and civic involvement. He served as a deacon at Covenant Community Church in Muskegon Heights, as a member of the Senior Substance Abuse Coalition Muskegon, was a veteran of the United States Army, a member of the Reformed Church of America, a longtime blood donor, a Muskegon County

Steelheaders Club member, and Muskegon River Watershed Assembly Chairman.

Predeceased by his parents and his wife, Sandra, he is survived by his son, Adam, daughter Faith, his grandchildren Jacob, Ashley, Addison, Harper, Chloe, Angelica, Felipe, Chani and his “little sister," Lori Bronkema. His impact on this community is immeasurable as he was a fierce steward of our natural resources and a leader whose prints are deep. May we honor his memory by being our most authentic selves, trying our best, caring for each

other, advancing causes we believe in, and positively impacting our planet as much as we can. In high school, under his senior picture, he chose a Cicero quote: “Reason is the mistress and queen of all things,” which was applicable all his life. He used his intellect to

address and correct local issues by acting pragmatically to create grassroots strategies, calm defiance against corrupt leadership, and focus on steady lifelong environmental stewardship. Services for Wayne Groesbeck will take place at Covenant Community Church, 134 East Barney Ave., in Muskegon Heights, with a livestream option available on their website for those who cannot travel but wish to attend virtually, on Saturday, Dec. 12th, 2026, at 11 AM, with a potluck luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly in his memory. Wayne's ashes will be buried in Onesquethaw Cemetery at a later date, but his legacy will permanently flow through the Muskegon River.