Tributes

Leonard Seares Groat, 91, a resident of Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City, MI, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2017.Leonard grew up in Downers Grove, IL, the son of Margaret and Edmund T. Groat. As a boy, he played the clarinet, enjoyed painting lessons and loved sailboats, often riding the commuter train into Chicago to watch the boats in Burnham Harbor.While in high school, Leonard and three of his friends built a sloop in the backyard of his parents home and sailed it in Lake Michigan. After graduating from high school, during WW II, he joined the Navy, went through the flight training in Pensacola, FL. and was designated a Naval Aviator in late March of 1945. The war ended before he was shipped overseas.After leaving the Navy, Leonard attended North Central College in Naperville, IL, where he met his future wife, Mary Ann Hull, in the college swimming pool. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering, and they were married. He was hired by Link-Belt as a salesman, and over the years, had assignments in the areas of Chicago, New York City and Louisville, KY. In all of the places they lived, he and Mary Ann continued to enjoy sailing and other outdoor activities. They also spent many vacations in Onekama, MI, where Leonard enjoyed sledding, sailing and swimming with his nieces and nephews. They later lived on Portage Lake in Onekama for 15 years and then moved to Traverse City, where they lived for the past 14 years. Leonard devoted his life to taking care of Mary Ann and passed away just three weeks after her.Leonard was very well-loved by his family, friends and associates. He was extremely good-natured, fun and interested in others of all ages, always drawing people out. He also was a great story-teller, and certainly kept the family stories alive.Leonard is survived by his sister and her husband, 4 nephews and 3 nieces.The family is extremely grateful for the excellent care and assistance Leonard received from Grand Traverse Pavilions and several of the wonderful people and organizations in Traverse City.No services are scheduled at this time. Private interment will take place in a family cemetery plot in Wheaton, IL.Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Leonard Seares Groat

November 6, 1925 - September 25, 2017