Terry attended Freeburg Grade School and Freeburg High School. He continued his education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Terry worked at several implement dealers, delivered gas for Thomson’s in Belleville, ran water and waste management plants through Hydro Services, and repaired and sold travel trailers for Dennis Auto Sales.
He was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL, where he was baptized, confirmed, and married. He served as a church leader, a Sunday School teacher, and helped with the Bible Groups. He was a member of the committee to find a new pastor, the church council president, and served on the UCC Southern IL conference. Terry also attended the Life program at Eden Seminary and preached in many of the churches in the area. He loved going to Calvin College to attend worship symposiums. Terry loved not only his own family, but also his church family. His belief in Jesus as his Savior and God’s son was carried with him throughout his lifetime.
He became a Mason in his early 20’s serving as leader of Freeburg Lodge several times. He later went on to belong to the Scottish Rite, and then became a member of the Ainad Shriners. He loved playing his “Snake Charmer” in the Oriental band.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Ruth S., nee Green, Groth; and his son, Brian Groth.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 59 years, Pat, nee Kromat, Groth, whom he married on September 17, 1964.
He is also survived by a daughter, Cheryl Groth; two brothers, Roger (Bev) Groth and Edward (Carol) Groth; a sister, Charlotte (Randy) Kuhl; a brother-in-law, Emil (Cecelia) Kromat; and many aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the family, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL, St. Louis Shriners Hospital or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2024, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL, and from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2024, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2024, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL.