William “Bill” Groat, age 77, of Hayward, WI passed away on Friday, April 30, 2021 at Essentia-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

William Perry Groat was born December 27, 1943 in Rice Lake, WI the son of Charles and Erva (Dwinells) Groat.

He was raised in Stanberry and attend grade school there. He then attended Hayward High School where he graduated in 1962. Bill moved to Pekin, IL and began work with Ashland Chemical in Mapleton, IL. He continued working with the company and became a supervisor. The plant became Witco and then Goldschmidt-Degussa while Bill was working there. While working in Illinois, Bill was an active member of the National Guard. He spent over twenty years with the National Guard and was called into active duty during Dessert Storm. On March 15, 2000, Bill was joined in marriage to Eva M. Lash in Peoria, IL. Bill retired in 1962 and moved to Springbrook, WI where he and Eva had been building their retirement home. Bill was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign War and was a member of Post 7233 Musky Capital Post in Hayward. He also was a member of American Legion Post #218 in Hayward where he currently service as President. Bill was very social and was members of Pekin Boat Club, Moose Lodge Member, Northwood Riders ATV Association, and served as Town Chairman for the town of Stinnett for many years. He was a avid deer hunter and fisherman throughout his life.

Bill is survived by his wife, Eva; two children, William “Billy” Groat of Pekin, IL, Terra Mae (Chris) Canavan, Tucson, Arizona; one step child, Bonnie Gay of Pekin, IL; two grandchildren, Cody and Shelby; one great grandson, Jackson; three sisters, Linda Johnson of Chetek, WI, Dorene Snyder of Hayward, Vera (Myron) Lindell of Stone Lake, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Mike Poppe, Andy Jalowitz, Fred Greves, Dan Dahlstrom, Tom Crowley and Kelly Parks.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepdaughter, Jeri Lea Plunk.

A funeral service will be held for Bill at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 8th, at the Hayward Wesleyan Church with Pastor Ed Anderson officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the Hayward Funeral Home and from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Hayward Wesley Church. Interment will be in the Earl Cemetery in Earl, WI.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Wisconsin Military Funeral Honors Program and Hayward American Legion Post #218.

Last Update: May 03, 2021 3:32 pm CDT