Richard “Dick” Groves
Richard Lee “Dick” Groves, 84, of Onawa, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Dick Groves was born June 5, 1941, in Webster City, the son of Gerald and Margaret (Milsap) Groves. He grew up around Williams, Iowa, on a farm, where he learned the value of hard work. Dick graduated from Independent High School in 1959, attending many reunions through the years.
Primarily a salesman, Dick worked for many organizations over the years, including Quaker Oats, Bearing Service Company, Precision Industries, IDFI, and Cimmarina Boats. Known as a man who never met a stranger, Dick’s clients loved him and were loyal to him.
Dick married Carol Gray on January 15, 1994, at First Christian Church in Onawa. Together they enjoyed golfing, fishing, traveling to Mazatlan, Mexico, and making memories with family and friends.
Dick made everyone laugh with his storytelling and silly pranks, but he also had a serious side and always took time to patiently listen and share his wisdom and words of encouragement to help others.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Carol; children from a previous marriage, Julie Barbieri of California, Lori Finn of Phoenix, Arizona; stepchildren Sonya (David) Wright of Des Moines, Iowa, and Michael Gray of Golden, Colorado; grandchildren, Andrew and Adam Barbieri, Chelsea (Brett) Medernach, Collin and Cade Stilson, Emily and Alise Wright, Blake and Riley Gray; six great-grandchildren; sister, Gwendolyn “Gwen” (Richard) Taylor of Ames, Iowa; special friend of 60 years, Denny Kuhn; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Margaret (Milsap) Groves, brother, Larry Groves, and son-in-law, Peter Barbieri.
Visitation for Mr. Groves was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at First Christian Church in Onawa. A memorial service followed at 2 p.m. at the church, with the service streamed live at www.goslarfuneralhome.com (Pastor Clif Cockburn and Jack Gibler, officiating). Arrangements were under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.
Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com.