Kenneth Leland Groff, went home to be with the Lord on October 26, 2021. Leland was born on October 31. 1935 in Forsyth, Montana to Kenneth and Mildred Groff. After high school, he joined the ARMY and served as a communications specialist. Then he joined the NAVY and served abroad the USS Yorktown in communications there as well. After his military service, he worked several different jobs through the years, in and around Billings, Forsyth, and Colstrip. His last job was working maintenance in the power plant at Colstrip.
After he retired, he moved to Reed Point, then after Thompson Falls. Everywhere ha has lived, he has made many friends and loved ones that he diligently kept in contact with. Some neighbors from his childhood in Colstrip, others who were classmates through school, and many from his military time, working and retiring years. He seldom met a stranger no matter where he went. You could nearly always find I’m at high school sporting events where he loved to encourage and support young people.
Leland was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother, Leroy, and will be remembered in a service Saturday., October 30, at 11 am at the Senior Center in Thompson Falls. Another Memorial will be helped Saturday, November 6th at 11 am at the Stevenson and Sons Funeral Chapel in Forsyth.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday November 6, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday November 6, 2021
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Nikki Melin says
Bill Leona and Mayo children,
I was saddened to hear of the loss of Leland. He was a big part of Colstrip athletics and the biggest fan of all the Mayo children. He loved your family more than anything. Praying for your comfort
Nikki
Corrie Barrett says
Leona, Bill, and Mayo family: prayers and thoughts are with you. I first met Leland at work he introduced himself as “Spook” – he was such a character and charming man. He was involved in so much here in Colstrip. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed
George & Tudy Brubaker says
Our Sincerest condolences to the family of Leland. He was one special guy….A shipmate of mine 1962-66 aboard the USS Yorktown CVS10 homeported out of Long Beach,. CA. We had several visits throughout the years…and kept in contact on the phone nearly weekly….He will be missed….What a reunion in heaven he must have had with friends and relatives….God Bless….
Paul Cannon says
My sincere condolences to the family of Leland. He served aboard USS YORKTOWN CVS-10. We didn’t serve together, but I met him at the ships reunion. We spoke via phone many times over the years.
Paul Cannon RM3 CR DIV. 1960 – 1962
Richard England says
Richard England
My sincere condolences to the family of Leland i served with Kenny that what we called him on on the uss Yorktown and saw and was him a lot at the ships reunion
Vance Trube says
Sorry to hear. About Leland. I grow up with him Costrip and went high school togetner. May be rest inpeace
Toynette Rolston says
Leland was an adopted part of our family and we will miss him. Thanks for the memories Leland.
Hank & kitte Coffin says
We will miss the calls we received often from Leland. We were always so glad to hear from him.
Herb Voelker says
Served with him from 62 till 64 on the BBC Yorktown. One of the kindest men i knew. A great shipmate. He touched everybody he met. Sorry for your liss
Steve Perusich says
So sorry to hear of Lelands passing. He was a very special kind of guy.he will be missed. Many blessings and prayers.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️
Darrell l Brabec says
Prayers for all your family at the loss of such a close friend. Always enjoyed working and visiting with him at the plant all the years we worked together.
Doug & Debbie Skiles says
To the Mayo family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Leland. He was quite the character and a very friendly man. He will be missed. Love, Hugs and Prayers
Macque Cozzens Bohleen says
We will miss Leland, he has been a part of my live for as long as I can remember!
Having lunch with him in our store in Colstrip was always a highlight!
Tommy – thanks for letting us know about Leland’s passing!
Macque Cozzens Bohleen says
We will miss Leland! He has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember!
Having lunch with him in our store in Colstrip was always a highlight!
Tommy – thanks for letting us know about Leland’s passing!
Karson and Marie Kluver says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Enjoyed visiting with Leland.