Mark N. Grooms

Mark N. Grooms, 70, of Onalaska, Wis., passed away unexpectedly early Tuesday, June 29, at Gundersen Medical Center, La Crosse. He celebrated his 70 ^th birthday June 19, 2021, with Judy, Autumn and Vincent as he wanted with Culver’s carryout and a single scoop of the Flavor of the Day -- in a dish. He was born in Decatur, Ill., to Margaret A. “Maggie” (Neilson) Cotter and James L. “Jim” Grooms on June 19, 1951. Mark graduated from Onalaska High School in 1969.

Mark and Judy (Jones) met at Pizza Hut on the Causeway and eloped on May 5, 1974. He may have followed her into the girls’ bathroom that first night, but she always says it was not necessary – he was driving a Javelin and packed that Grooms’ charm. They celebrated 47 years of marriage in May – again with a single scoop Flavor of the Day – in a dish.

Mark was one-of-a kind known for wearing cut-off jean shorts, riding his bike throughout Onalaska, and walking his beloved dogs: Nala, Diggs, and Tucker. He was an avid outdoorsman that spent the fall bow and gun deer hunting throughout Monroe and Jackson County with his brother Steve and nephew Ryan, and dear friend Tom Myhre; winter ice fishing on Lake Onalaska; and spring and summers kayaking and fly fishing the Mississippi River backwaters. Mark lived each day and never sat idle; he was quick to help and cared so much for his neighbors and friends.

Mark loved watching his grandson, Vincent, play hockey. He never missed a game, even after Vince moved to Phoenix. This past spring, three tournaments brought Vince to the Twin Cities, and we will forever be grateful that Mark had the opportunity to watch Vince play at the rink again. Hearing him say “there is nothing like hearing the sounds of the rink” will forever warm our hearts. Mark and Vincent had such a special bond and so many wonderful times kayaking, playing basketball and catch, and riding bikes. He even let Vince look at the pile in Rummy – something he never let Autumn get away with.

Mark raised Autumn on only the best music –Dylan, the Dead, Buffett – and made sure she knew it. He loved when Vince would jam with him to George Thorogood and howl to Warren Zevon; the pair would roll the windows down and turn up the music in Mark’s truck. With Judy, Mark enjoyed trips to Goodwill, Saturday morning yard saling, and backyard fires. Mark retired from Trane Company and previously worked at ASA Freight and Gateway Transportation. He and Judy own 151 Hair Company in Center 90 in Onalaska.

Mark is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Autumn (James LeDoux) Grooms of Surprise, Ariz.; grandson, Vincent Heisz; mother and stepfather, Maggie and Richard Cotter of Scottsdale, Ariz.; brother, Steve Grooms of Cataract, Wis.; sister-in-law, Mary Grooms of Scottsdale; brother-in-law, David (Lynn) Jones of Leesburg, Va.; nieces, Carrie (Benito) Cerda Reyes, Heidi (Domonic) Colonna, and Tara (Mike Molloy) Jones; nephews, Ryan (Millie) Grooms and Kelly (Beth) Jones; great nieces and nephews; and many close and long-time friends including Kathy Cuellar, Peg and Tom Myhre, Paul and Mary Robinson, Brant Hill and Paula Hill.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Jim Grooms; brother, Matt Grooms; mother- and father-in-law, Lois and Harold Jones; and maternal and paternal grandparents.

A Celebration of Mark’s Life will be from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 24, at the Onalaska American Legion Activity Center. The family appreciates the kindness and care provided by the Onalaska Police Department, Onalaska First Responders, and the Gundersen Critical Care Team. Memorials can be made to the Great Rivers United Way.

“Miss You So Badly” Jimmy Buffett, You Had to Be There (1978)
And I miss you so badly
Girl I love you madly
I think I’ve been had though, for stayin’ so long
Long, long
And I'm just watchin' the Gong show
Waitin' for Zorro
Loosin' the long day since I been home

I got a head of full of feelin' higher
And an ear full of Patsy Cline
There is just no one who can touch her
Hell I'll hang on every line
Oh crazy how things happen
It's incredible but true
Oh the longer I'm gone the closer I feel to you