Michael Groth

Michael Pembroke Groth, 88, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Mike was born on November 28, 1937, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Ray Edward Groth and Helen Pembroke Groth. He was raised in Idaho Falls, where he attended local schools and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. He later attended the University of Utah, studying Business Management. Following college, he proudly served in the United States Army while stationed in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and competed on the U.S. Biathlon Ski Team, earning a place in the 1961 World Championships.

On June 15, 1963, Mike married Mary Jill Brady of Idaho Falls in San Diego, California. Together they built a wonderful life, first in Salt Lake City and later in Idaho Falls, where they created several beautiful homes. Mike worked in the family business, Ray Groth Oil Company, as an operations manager before helping oversee operations at KUPI Radio. He was also a driving force behind the development of the Idaho Falls Country Club residential subdivision and owned and managed several real estate properties that continue to operate today.

Mike was a dedicated member of the Idaho Falls Rotary Club, serving as its president for several years. He helped co-found the Snake River Greenbelt project, supported the reconstruction of Taylor's Toll Bridge, and helped establish the Idaho Falls Duck Race. Through his leadership, generosity, and vision, he played a lasting role in preserving and enhancing the Idaho Falls community.

Mike loved working and spending time at the family cabin on Hebgen Lake, Montana, where he spent every summer beginning in 1949. He and Jill also found great joy in creating beautiful homes and landscapes together, transforming each property into a place of warmth and serenity. In 2015, they received the City of Idaho Falls Beautification Award in recognition of the exceptional landscaping at their First Street home.

Michael is survived by his sons, Tim Groth (Denise) of Victor, Idaho, and Sean Groth (Brett) of Bozeman, Montana; his brothers, Terry Groth (Sue) of Boise, Idaho, and Ray Groth (Diedra) of Sandy, Utah; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jill Groth; his daughter, Amy Groth; his brother, Richard Groth; and his parents, Ray and Helen Groth.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls. A gathering for family and friends will be held from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. prior to the service. Burial at Rose Hill Cemetery will immediately follow.