Gus Groven

Gus Groven was born to Carl and Hilma Groven on February 17th, 1934. He grew up in Steele County and graduated from Mayville High School, North Dakota in 1953. After graduation he worked as a farm hand. For several years Gus, his brother Howard and a few buddies worked in North Dakota for planting and harvest times, but ventured out west to California escaping the harsh North Dakota winters. Gus and one other buddy finally stayed in California for good. He was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and served three years.

Feeling that he did well in an accounting class in high school he applied for and gained a job as an accountant in California. He attended Santa Monica Community College and the University of California Los Angeles. Gus started attending Community Baptist Church (present day Journey of Faith) and became president of the Philia singles group. He met Elaine McKenty in the Philia singles group and they were married June 24, 1967. They had three children Kathleen, Phillip and Brian. In 1974, he became a Certified Public Accountant and later a partner with Bitticks and Company. He was always working in his garden and was a lifelong UCLA Bruins fan. Gus was always giving away countless lemons, grapefruit, apples, avocados, carrots, green beans, etc. from his garden. Gus had a heart for missions and sharing the gospel. He helped found the preschool and the elementary school at Community Baptist Church so children could grow up in the faith. He hosted many BBQs for the Christan Business Men’s Committee to reach those who would not come to church. And he went on short term mission trips to Guatemala, Cambodia, Belgium, New Orleans and France.

Gus Groven is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elaine Groven, his three children, Kathy (husband Dan), Phillip (wife Carlen), Brian and four grandchildren Cassandra, Mitchell, William and Carrissa. Gus was preceded in death by his parents, his brother George, sister, Clara and brother, Howard.

The memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on July 12th, 2024, at Journey of Faith Church in Manhattan Beach, CA. A short graveside service for family and close friends will be at 3:00 pm on July 12th at Rose Hills.

Livestreaming of the memorial service will be provided by Journey of Faith Church website. https://journeyoffaith.com/live-event/