Good Night, Howard

The last thing I said to Howard was "goodnight." He, unfortunately, passed away very unexpectedly a few weeks ago from a heart attack. Here is the article from the StarTrib published shortly thereafter.

Howard Groves, 59, an attorney 37 years

Howard Groves was known for his practical jokes and light-hearted attitude. He poked fun at people at home and at work.

"My mom worked for his law office," said family friend Craig Trepanier. "She was selling little carved wooden ducks and asked if he wanted any. Howard said to her with a total deadpan look, 'Well, how many do you think will fit comfortably with me in the tub?'"

Groves, a resident of Burnsville, died June 29 of a heart attack. He was 59.

He was an attorney for 37 years. He began his private practice in 1973 and worked for three firms during his career. Groves spent his last 17 years working alongside Wayne Jagow, becoming his partner at Jagow, Groves & Meinerts in Burnsville. He specialized in criminal and real estate cases.

"Howard was a high-quality guy," Jagow said. "He was well-liked by everyone in the legal community and cared about every one of his clients."

Groves took each case personally and made sure he didn't treat people like numbers. He also used his sense of humor for incessant teasing around the office, Jagow said.

Trepanier knew of a running joke between Groves and Jagow.

"Wayne used to jokingly call himself the Law God," Trepanier said. "One day, Howard said, 'Wayne, I think you're dyslexic. Don't you mean the Law Dog?' He even had business cards printed up with Wayne's name, the Law Dog title and a picture of a German shepherd."

"HO GRO," as his children and children's friends called him, was a regular at Bumpers, a restaurant near his law office. He sat in a particular booth, ordered a particular drink -- a double Johnny Walker Red -- and smoked his pipe. The owners took such a liking to Groves that they retired his drink after his death, Trepanier said.
He also enjoyed golfing and played every Friday with a group of attorneys and judges. And when he wasn't on the green, Groves liked spending time with his children, grandchildren and close friends, said his daughter, Kelli Zetah.

"He was so soft-spoken for being a lawyer," said his son, Jeff, "and he had this smile that gave you the impression he knew something you didn't."

Groves was born Oct. 24, 1945, in Howard, S.D. He graduated from high school in Chandler, Minn., received his bachelor's degree from South Dakota State University, and earned his law degree at the University of Minnesota. He served in the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps of the U.S. Army from 1969-1973.
He is survived by his sons, Jeff and Mark, and his daughter, Kelli Zetah. Services were held at Peace Reformed Church in Eagan.

Molly Kentala, StarTribune July 13, 2005