William James Groff

William J "Gator" Groff passed away peacefully at his home in Bellevue, NE on April 22, 2026. He was 76 years old.

William was born on October 18, 1949 in Tawas City, MI to William and Mary Jean Groff. He graduated from Holy Cross in Marine City, MI in 1967. He then attended college for 2 years until he began work at Michcon as a Natural Gas Pipeline Operator in his early twenties. He continued to work there until he retired with 45 years of service.

He loved fishing, hunting, was an avid golfer, bowler & played in the East Tawas men's softball league for many years, loved being anywhere near the water, and was a HUGE fan of the University of Michigan. He definitely passed on ALL of his favorites to his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years Mary Jane, 2 children Joshua Mead and daughter-in-law Gari of Vanderbilt, MI; Daniele Wills and son-in-law JB of Papillion, NE; 6 grandchildren; Brandon Mead and his wife Rebekah, Katelyn Priestly, Junior, Emmie, and Cooper, and Cade Wills; his mother Mary Jean Groff of Tawas City, brother Eric Groff and his wife Andrea of East Tawas; niece Haley Groff and nephew Camden Groff; 8 nieces and nephews; 10 great nieces and nephews; 1 grand niece all from Maine.

William was preceded in death by his beloved father, William L. Groff and his favorite sister, Cynthia (Groff) Earl.

Please donate to your local Hospice in lieu of flowers. Hospice played a big part in the past month and worked very hard to make sure Bill was well taken care of and very comfortable in the end.

We will plan to honor Bill this summer back in Michigan. Plans are still in the process of being made.