Vickie Sue Groenke, 79 of Ashland passed away after a long battle with cancer early Saturday morning, December 28, 2024 in her daughter’s home in North Carolina.
She was born on May 20, 1945 in Marion, Ohio, the daughter of the late Norman Wayne and Donna Ruth (née Sinning) Fogt.
Following her high school graduation, Vickie earned a degree from Capital University and later her master’s degree from Ohio State.
She married the love of her life, Reverend Robert Groenke Jr. on August 27th 1967
Vickie retired from education where she taught both English and French; and served as a guidance counselor in several Ohio public schools.
Throughout her life, she enjoyed playing both the piano and organ and leading the youth choirs at church. Vickie was an avid reader, loved to entertain, decorate, and host themed parties for both family and friends. Along with her husband, Vickie often attended performances at the Ohio Light Opera in Wooster and Broadway and listened to the Ashland Symphony Orchestra.
She was a member of Abundant Life Lutheran Church in Hilliard, Ohio, Delta Kappa Gamma, Ashland Music Club, Capital University Alumni and Ohio State Alumni.
Vickie is survived by her loving husband of 57 ½ years, Rev. Robert Groenke Jr. of Ashland; her children, Rev. Matthew (Julie) Groenke and Dr. Melinda (Kevin) Wonsick; her beloved grandchildren, Adam, Elijah, and Jeremiah Groenke and Rebecka and Abbigail Wonsick; and her brother, Stephen (Sandra) Fogt; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Vickie is preceded in death by one granddaughter, Madison Elizabeth Groenke.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 127 Cherry Road, N.W., Massillon, Ohio 44646 with Reverend Mark Kreemer and Reverend Charles Woodward presiding. Interment will be in the Marion Cemetery. Friends and family may visit on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Renovation Fund.
The Groenke family would like to invite anyone in attendance to please, feel free to wear Hawaiian themed clothing in recognition of Vickie's love for Hawaiian celebrations.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com and the service will be livestreamed on YouTube under the St Paul's Lutheran Church (of Massillon Ohio) profile.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Vickie Sue and i met in first grade. We did Girl Scouts, worked at summer camps and were in each others weddings. Whenever we talked years fell away. A very good friend will be missed. Angels be with you. Annette
Annette Gibbon (Cadwell)
Vickie Sue and i met in first grade. We did Girl Scouts, worked at summer camps and were in each others weddings. Whenever we talked years fell away. A very good friend will be missed. Angels be with you. Annette