Douglas Alan Groy

Groy, Douglas Alan REEDSBURG/VERONA/PARDEEVILLE-Douglas Alan Groy, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015. He was born on June 4, 1959, in St. Louis, Mo. His parents were Hayden and Shirley Groy. From age 3 through 5, Doug was on crutches due to a condition called Legg-Calve’-Perthes Disease. This experience built him up, not only physically, but also instilled a ‘can do’ attitude to overcome other problems of life later on. At age six, he accompanied his parents on their move to Middleton, and began school. In 1968, he moved to Reedsburg, where he graduat-ed from Webb High School in 1977. He then attended UW-Madison and later transferred to UW-Baraboo campus; where he was active in theater. In 1982, he graduated from UW-Whitewater with a Business Degree. In Reedsburg, Doug lived on a farm for three years which furthered his interest in conservation, hunting, fishing, and sports which he continued to enjoy the rest of his life. After college, Doug moved to Florida where he worked in sales and marketing positions for several major companies. While he lived there, he was able to enjoy and explore the Florida Keys, Ft. Lauderdale area, and ocean sports. In 1984, Doug married Kelly Baker (Haraldson). Together, they started a family and have two wonderful children, Ryan and Kassie. He then started a new chapter in his life in Verona, while continuing to help his children grow. Doug’s next venture was working to build Verona Safety Supply, Inc., with his new partner in business and in life, Sue Groy. The company has experienced exponential growth and is now a leader in their markets, locally and nationally. He developed passion for his work and created life-long friend-ships. In addition to his business interests, Doug had a great love of the outdoors and adventure. Since he cherished spending time with his children, his passion was to share these experiences with them. Some of these adventures included skydiving, white-water rafting, skiing, and any kind of hunting or fishing. These memories will be held closely, retold, and continued in his honor. Doug is survived by his father, Hayden (Annelise Waggoner) Groy, Green Bay; his brother, Jeff (Gail) Groy of Verona, and his children, Ryan (fiance’ Sara Stodola) and Kassie Groy of Middle-ton. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bryant and Wilma Bates and Herman and Dora Groy; his mother, Shirley Groy; and ex-wife, Sue Groy. “Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - chocolate in one hand - strawberries in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming-WOOHOO! What a ride!” A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 7 p.m., on Mon-day, Feb. 23, 2015. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3:30 until 6:30 p.m., on Mon-day. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to www.operationsecondchance.org in dedication of Douglas Groy. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. Middleton, Wisconsin (608) 831-6761