Douglas Eugene Groesbeck, 73, of Williams, CA passed away on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, with his wife by his side.
Doug was born on Sept. 25, 1949, to Maxine and Eugene Groesbeck in Mason City, Iowa.
Doug was raised on a farm and attended all schools in the Sheffield/Chapin area of Northern Iowa. Doug has two brothers, Steven, 71, who lives in Texas, Brent, 69, who lives in Nevada, and a baby sister Shelley, 63, who lives in Missouri.
Doug is survived by his loving wife of 53½ years, Denise Groesbeck; daughters, Nicolet Weber, 42, of Williams, Emily Groesbeck, 39, of Sacramento, and two loving grandchildren Brandon Douglas Weber, 15, and Audrey Ann Weber, 11, of Williams and many nieces and nephews.
He is Preceded in death by his Father Eugene and his Mother Maxine.
After high school Doug joined the US Navy at 18. He was assigned to the Alameda Naval Air. He met and married Denise Lyn Milanovich at the chapel on the Alameda Naval Air Base. Together they moved as he was assigned to San Diego and the Coronado Naval Air Base. Then on to the USS Ticonderoga and Vietnam.
Doug was decorated for his service in Vietnam.
After the service Doug and Denise moved to West Sacramento where Doug worked for Frank Ramos 44 hours a week and went to Sacramento State University full time. He had a double major in Accounting and Computer Science. Doug graduated with honors and accelerated through college finishing in 3½years. After college Doug worked for the State Board of Equalization as an auditor.
Frank Ramos later came to Doug and knew how hard he worked and asked him to manage his Bulk Fuel Plant in Williams, CA.
Doug, being a farm boy at heart, said yes.
Doug came to Williams in 1977 and never left. He loved what he did.
He became a member of the Williams Fire Dept and threw his whole heart and soul into it. He was very active for 22 years and became Captain and then on to Asst. Chief.
To this day he was delivering fuel, helping anyone with anything because he would say “ I can fix it!” and he usually did.
Above all Doug loved his family – He didn’t say it or bring them gifts but he showed it in what he did for them “Everything” “Everyday”!
Memorial services will be held on Jan. 6, 2022, at 11:00AM at the Williams Fire Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Williams Fire Dept if desired. ■
PUBLISHED 12/29/2022, 01/05/2023
COLUSA COUNTY PIONEER REVIEW #2022-1137