Patricia Jane Groth

Patricia Jane Groth (Pat), age 94, went home to her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Born to Roy and Freda Bernard on August 27, 1932, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She attended Jefferson Grade School in Waikiki until World War II changed everything. She was on her way to Sunday School on December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked. A year later, at age 9, she was evacuated to the Mainland where she was sent to live with family friends in California for 1 year, even traveling by herself on a bus from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The family moved to Philadelphia for 2 years, and then she lived in England with her mom for 2 years before returning to her beloved Hawaii for the last 3 years of high school, graduating from Punahou High School in 1950. She attended many Punahou reunions, culminating with her 75th class reunion in 2025. Some of Pat’s thoughts and experiences during the initial months of WWII were recorded in her personal diary. Her mother, Freda Laird, later published a book called Pat Presents Pearl Harbor which contains part of Pat’s diary in the first chapter. Her December 7 experience was even highlighted in The Racine Journal Times several years ago. Pat loved swimming, with the Pacific Ocean at her doorstep. Sam Kahanamoku, one of the brothers of Hawaii’s Olympic Gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku, was so impressed with Pat’s swimming skills, he wanted to train her for the Olympics! She enjoyed travel; following her high school graduation she moved to Canada to live and work for a year. Upon returning to Hawaii, she met the love of her life, Ernie Groth, on a blind date while Ernie was stationed at Pearl Harbor. Pat and Ernie were married on June 20, 1953, in Honolulu, and were blessed with 70 years of marriage before Ernie’s passing in 2023. Pat naively believed her husband that moving to Wisconsin from Hawaii would be just fine as Lake Michigan was just like Waikiki Beach – until she put her foot in Lake Michigan! Pat was a devoted wife and mother and spent many years at home caring for their growing family. She eventually took a job as secretary at the Schroeder Clinic and also worked as the lunch cook at Trinity Lutheran School for several years. She was an excellent cook, and superb hostess, very gracious, kind and welcoming to all. Faith, family and a positive attitude characterized Pat’s life. As an active member for over 30 years at Trinity Lutheran Church in Racine, she served as Sunday School teacher, and was active in Parent-Teacher League, couple’s group, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and other activities. In recent years, she was a member of Grace Lutheran Church-Oak Creek, and most recently became a member of Hales Corners Lutheran Church, enabling her to worship with some of her family whenever possible. Other interests included reading (especially her favorite author Agatha Christie), card playing, gardening, swimming, tennis and spending time outdoors. In 1989 Pat and Ernie fulfilled a dream of returning to Hawaii and lived there 10 years, where she worked as the secretary to the nursing administrator at St. Francis Hospital. Upon retirement, the couple moved to Venice, Florida, and became snowbirds between Florida and Wautoma, Wisconsin. During those 20 years, Pat was an active member of Lakeside Lutheran Church in Venice, Florida and also assisted the staff at the preschool sponsored by the church. Declining health and the desire to be closer to family prompted their return to Wisconsin in 2019. In her final years, Pat enjoyed living at Parkview Gardens Assisted Living in Racine, transitioning to the memory care area in her last year. Pat is survived by children: Linda Groth, Diane (William) Leon, Robert (Peggy) Groth, and Gloria (David) Compton; grandchildren: Matthew (Brooke), Joshua (Lauren), Melissa, Nicholas, Colin (Mara), Nathaniel (Jordan), Mitchell (Brianna) and Daniel; step-grandchildren: Stacy (Tam), Kristin (Dave) and Sarah (Nathan). She is further survived by 19 great-grandchildren, cousins and relatives in England and Hong Kong, as well as other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, stepfather, stepbrother, half-sister Mary Ann Tartini, and two half-brothers. The funeral service will be held on Monday, September 14, at 11:00 a.m. at Hales Corners Lutheran Church at 12300 W. Janesville Road, Hales Corners with visitation from 9:30 until the time of the service. Interment will take place at Valhalla Cemetery, 5402 N. 91st Street, Milwaukee at 3:15 p.m. Memorials may be directed to Hales Corners Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church-Racine or Racine Lutheran High School.

Patricia Jane Groth

August 27, 1932 - September 5, 2026