Danny L. Groninger, 74, of rural Akron, passed Sunday, May 18, 2025 at his residence after a 5 month long illness.
Dan Groninger was born on March 13, 1951, in Wabash, Indiana, to the late Gordon L. and Mary Louise (Clark) Groninger. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Akron High School in 1969 before continuing his education at Purdue University.
On September 6, 2003, Dan married Karen Heisler Boocher in the Honeywell House of Wabash, Indiana. She survives.
In earlier years, he worked for Kaiser Agricultural Chemicals. Dan dedicated over 30 years of his career to the Indiana Department of Transportation, retiring as part of the surveying crew. His passion for trains led him to become a member of the Erie Lackawanna Railroad Historical Society and the Tuesday Tooters Train Club—a group of enthusiasts who gather to run trains. He and his wife Karen attend train shows, and explore railroad shops across the country.
He found great joy in watching his grandchildren play baseball and, in his earlier years, umpired for the Akron Youth League. His love for travel took him on numerous train journeys to destinations across the United States. A man of class and diplomacy, Dan also had a soft spot for cats and had enjoyed golfing in his free time, when in better health.
He is survived by his wife Karen Groninger; daughter Cori Groninger of Warsaw; step son Kelly and wife Kim Boocher of Columbia City; grandchildren Maizie, Kolby, Pete, Zoey, Noah, and Zac; siblings Greg and wife Annette Groninger of Akron, Nancy and husband Willie Davies of Ross, Ohio and Tim Groninger of Fort Wayne.
Danny was preceded in death by his parents and son Cody Lynn Groninger (2023).
The funeral service will take place at 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana.
Visitation hours will be held from 11 am to 1 pm, Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Indiana.
A private interment will take place in the Akron Cemetery, Akron, Indiana.
Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Elara Caring 7030 Pointe Inverness Way #230, Ft. Wayne, IN 46804
