Jerome "Jerry" Lewis Groff Obituary in Ankeny at Memorial Services of Iowa

Obituary For Jerome "Jerry" Lewis Groff

Jerome “Jerry” Groff, 76, of Ankeny passed away peacefully at home on August 19, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (510 E 1st Street, Ankeny). A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. The service will be livestreamed at www.olih.org

Jerry was born December 26,1949, in Keota, Iowa to Milford and Anna “Virginia” Groff. He attended Mid-Prairie High School and graduated from the University of Iowa.

Jerry married Debra “Debbie” Brandt on August 13, 1979. They settled down in Ankeny and Jerry worked for the State of Iowa until his retirement in 2005.

Jerry was a diehard fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs, who never missed a game or the chance to argue about it afterward with his brother, Dennis. Jerry was a self-taught musician who played the guitar, wrote songs, and enjoyed performing with friends in a band and later as a duo. He loved cooking for people and enjoyed spending time with his family, his grandchildren, and his friends. Jerry especially loved getting together with his siblings for holidays and events.

Jerry will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family, his love of sports and music, and his lifelong love of learning.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Debbie; his daughters, Megan Groff and Alexa (Jake) Middleton; his grandchildren, Briar Kane, Imogene Kane, Frances Kane, Lucas Middleton, and Zelda Middleton; his siblings James (Pat) Groff, Jean (Willis) Roberts, Judy (Curtis) Stoffer, Laura (Darrell) Hess, Tom (Chris) Groff, Susan Griffith, Sandy (Perry) O’Brien, and Sara (Tom) Hartman; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milford and Virginia Groff; his brother, Dennis Groff; his sister-in-law, Janice Groff; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Griffith.

The family wishes to thank the staff at UnityPoint Hospice for their exceptional care for Jerry during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church.

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