Daniel Walter Groce, age 40, of N. Sandusky Street, Tiffin, died at 4:54 pm Monday, March 26, 2007 in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio. He was born on April 30, 1966 in Akron, Ohio and adopted by John W. and Joan A. (Cole) Groce who both survive in Tiffin.
Other survivors include his sister, Alisa Marie Cotyk, of North Canton, Ohio; nephew Michael Cotyk, and niece Courtney Cotyk, many Cole and Groce aunts and cousins; Fiancée, Julie Hawkins of Upper Sandusky, and her two sons, Larry and Heath.
Dan was a 1984 Columbian High School graduate. He was a Columbian soccer player and became an Eagle Scout on September 28, 1983. He worked as a cook in several restaurants and he had been a chef at St. Francis Convent for 12 years. Dan liked his work and found the Sisters supportive and caring.
Native American lore and everything in nature were passions in his life. His favorite pastime was hunting, fishing, and taking walks in woods and parks. Dan especially enjoyed playing in the bell choir at the Trinity United Church of Christ where he was also a member. Snowy, his cat, was his constant companion and will greatly miss him.
The last few months have been some of the happiest as he and his fiancée, Julie planned their wedding. Dan was a loving and caring son, brother, uncle, fiancée, and neighbor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The Funeral Service will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Louis Dorsch at 2pm Saturday, March 31, 2007 at Traunero Funeral Home, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419) 447-3113. Burial will take place in St. Francis Convent Cemetery.
Visitation will be 2-8pm on Friday, March 30, 2007, and one hour prior to services on Saturday at Traunero Funeral Home.
Contributions may be made to the Seneca County Park District or to the Sisters of St. Francis in care of Traunero Funeral Home.
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