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Wayne Arlo Grove
Born: 1/6/1938
Died: 10/23/2025
Age: 87
Community: Midland, MI
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Wayne Arlo Grove, 87, passed away in Midland, Michigan in his home in the presence of his family. He was born in Flint, Michigan to Arlo and Marion Grove on January 6, 1938. He graduated from Central High School in Flint, Michigan in 1955, and on August 11, 1961, he married the love of his life, Laura Jeanette Downing in Davison, Michigan. They were married for 64 years. In 1962, they welcomed a daughter, Laura Noreen, and in 1964 their son, David Wayne Grove, was born. Wayne served his country as a member of the Michigan National Guard from 1960 to 1966, seeing action in several civic conflicts and unrest. He worked for the U.S. Post Office for 12 years and then was employed by General Motors for 28 years.
Wayne and Jeanette retired to Manistee, Michigan, where they enjoyed daily adventures exploring Northern Michigan, and hosting friends and family in their various renovated projects. In 2023, Wayne and Jeanette moved to Midland, MI, to be near family. On October 21, Wayne succumbed to the heart disease he had valiantly fought for 30 years.
He is survived by his wife, Laura Jeanette, his children Laura (Randy) Sweet and David Grove, his sister Sharon (George) Elford, his grandchildren Allison (Jake) Huss, Christopher Sweet, and Meredith Sweet, and his great-grandchildren Jonathan, Cecilia and Evelyn Huss, as well as his sisters-in-law Sharon (David) Lawell, Kathryn (Rick) Barkey, and Marian (Cecil) Downing. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Ann Smith. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends – too numerous to mention.
Wayne was an avid reader, and he particularly liked such British novelists as Jane Austen and P.D. James. He was interested in history, enjoying books on the Civil War, WWII, and Abraham Lincoln. He enjoyed genealogical research and accumulated much information on his family tree. He followed politics and current events closely. He was a soft-hearted and generous man and a life-long dog-lover. He loved antiquing, old books, and old furniture. After moving to Manistee, Wayne and Jeanette bought and renovated a 100-year-old house. They also built a beautiful log home in Onekama, Michigan, and they returned several years later to Manistee and lived in a vintage Sears home – the prettiest Sears home in existence. The Manistee years were the reward for their discipline and labor in their working years.
Wayne and Jeanette’s love story is an inspiration to their family and all who know them. They were a faithful and loving couple for 64 years, in a world that seldom honors a life-long commitment. They both valued education, achieving college degrees though determination and hard work, and Wayne was proud of his B.A. degree in history from U of M-Flint. Wayne was a modest, unassuming gentleman who was liked, admired and remembered by those who knew him. The world is a lesser place without him in it.
The funeral for Wayne Grove will be held on Monday, October 27 at Ware-Smith Woolever Funeral Home at 1200 W. Wheeler Street, Midland, MI. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at noon. A luncheon will be provided following the service.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Grove family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.
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| Visitation |
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10/27/2025 |
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11:00 AM |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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10/27/2025 |
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12:00 PM |
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| Location: |
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Ware Smith Woolever - Midland
1200 West Wheeler Street
Midland, MI 48640Get a Map to this location...
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