GROTH, Alton Orien 1905-1987

GROTH, EIDAHL, SORENSON, COWLES, OLSON

Posted By: Diane Scott (email)
Date: 3/20/2010 at 13:00:26

Alton Orien GROTH, b. 29 Dec 1905, St. Ansgar, Iowa; d. 3 May 1987, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Polk Co, Iowa; bur. 7 May 1987, Des Moines, Polk Co, Iowa.

From Memorial Service Program for Alton O. Groth:

Alton Orien Groth, the son of Andrew A. Groth and Inga M. Eidahl Groth, was born in St. Ansgar, Iowa, on December 29, 1905. He died at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, on May 3, 1987, at the age of 81 years, 4 months and 4 days.

Alton was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, Iowa, and became a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Des Moines, on April 13, 1930.

On June 30, 1929, he was united in marriage to Pearle Louise Sorenson, and to this marriage two daughters were born.

Alton graduated from the University of Iowa with B.A. and M.S. degrees. He had also been a member of the university band and orchestra and minored in piano. He came to Des Moines in 1927 where he was employed as an Actuary by the Equitable of Iowa. He was to become the Vice President and Actuary.

Alton had been Consulting Actuary for the Des Moines Teachers Retirement System; Des Moines Police, Firefighters and Water Works. He also had been an Actuary for the Railroad Retirement Commission in Washington, D.C. He served as a member of the Board of Directors and Board of Pensions of the Lutheran Church in America; the Executive Board and Finance Committees of the Iowa Synod; a trustee and president of Wesley Acres Retirement Home; the Board of Iowa Lutheran Hospital and the Board of Directors of the Des Moines Civic Music Association. He also was a member of the Des Moines Club, the Des Moines Golf and Country Club, and Moingona Masonic Lodge.

Alton was a very active and faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church, having served on the Church Council, and in many other capacities, most recently on the New Organ Committee, of which he was the chairman of finances.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and, last December, his brother, Irling A. Groth, of Des Moines.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Pearle; two daughters, Barbara Cowles, of Des Moines; and Carole Olson of St. Paul, Minnesota; four grandchildren and a great number of friends.