Stephen J. Groth

Stephen J. Groth, 71, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Viroqua, WI and Newington, CT, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, after a magnificent 19-year commitment to researching and engaging in every option to keep his multiple myeloma disease at bay. He worked closely with a world-renowned multiple myeloma doctor, Natalie Callander (UW Health, Madison, WI) during the course of illness. Stephen became a student of this disease and approached it with the same fierceness, curiosity and bravery which he approached every other aspect of his life. Stephen was fortunate to have his very best friend of 29 years, Patricia D. Michel, a former nurse, by his side, helping him in any way she could. They were a great comfort to one another.

Born in New Britain, CT, Stephen was the son of the late Ernest H. Groth and Jean B. Groth. Surviving him are Patricia D. Michel of Dubuque, IA; two sisters, Marlene (Groth) Dolan and her husband Christopher M. Dolan of Manchester, MA; Janet L. Groth and her husband James P. Turner, of Magnolia, MA; niece Helena S. Turner of Cambridge, MA; nephew E. Patrick Turner and Hope Howard of Saco, ME; Elizabeth Bennett Dolan of Manchester, MA; and two step-nieces Taylor R. Dolan (Cohasset, MA) and Lyndsay G. Dolan (Marblehead, MA).

Stephen was a gifted musician. He received an undergraduate degree from Ithaca College, graduating with a BM Applied Music and performed as a professional musician for 20+ years. He had command of every percussion instrument as well as the piano. Early in his musical career, he performed with the Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra at the renowned Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City.  He then went on to play professionally with symphonies in upper New York State and the Midwest, including the Binghamton Symphony Orchestra, the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra and the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra.

In 1988, Stephen returned to college for a second degree.  He attended Cornell University pursuing a biochemistry degree, where he was nominated for the Outstanding College Students of America, the Golden Key National Honor Society and Cornell University Dean’s list. He received a BS Pharmacy Degree from University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY and held the honor of membership in both the Rho Chi Omega Society and Willis G. Gregory Society.

Stephen became a practicing Clinical Pharmacist in the greater Madison area and worked as a consulting and relief pharmacist in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. He began a long-term career with Indian Health Service, the Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives.  This work took him to many beautiful places in our country, including Arizona, Minnesota, and South Dakota where he spent many years at Kyle Health Center. Remarkably, despite the distance from his work, he traveled for many years to continue playing concerts with his cherished musicians in the Dubuque and La Crosse symphonies.

Stephen leaves behind a big footprint and he will be greatly missed.  His legacy, beyond his hilarious sense of humor, was his gift of music and his dedication and care for those he worked with and served as a pharmacist.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:30 PM, November 2, 2025, at Tri-State Community Church, 12937 Derby Grange Rd., Dubuque, IA, 52002. 

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