Richard "Rich" W. Groeber

Richard “Rich” W. Groeber, of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away at home at 7:00 AM on May 4, 2026, following a brief battle with Cancer. He was 70 years old.

Rich was born on December 20, 1955, in Washington, MO, to Joy Harold Groeber and Violet Mae (Ruediger) Groeber. He graduated from Marshall High School in Marshall, Illinois in 1974 and went on to attend Indiana College of Mortuary Science, where he earned his Associates Degree in Funeral Directing in 1976. On March 26, 1977, Rich married Donna J. Butcher in Marshall, Illinois. Together they built a life centered on family, community, and service.

He started working at Moore Funeral Home in high school, where he drove the ambulance and worked funerals. He moved to Indiana in 1983 and made Lafayette his home for over four decades. He began his career in Indiana funeral service with Hippensteel Funeral Home, where he dedicated many years and formed lifelong friendships. Rich went on to purchase Hahn Funeral Home from Gary Hahn in 2005. He became a respected business owner in the community for many years. In April of 2025, he partially retired after selling the business to Josie Schroder.

Rich was a longtime member of St. Mary Cathedral. He was deeply involved in the funeral service profession, holding membership in the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, where he served as a former District Director and was to be honored this year with his 50-year funeral directing pin. He was also a member of the Order of the Golden Rule.

Outside of his profession, Rich had a passion for fire service history. He was a proud member of the 5 Points Fire Museum and Safety Education Center. He especially loved fire trucks and never missed a chance to strike up a conversation with anyone wearing fire department apparel. Known for his storytelling, Rich had a way of connecting with people and leaving a lasting impression. He was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa.

He is survived by his wife, Donna J. Groeber; his mother, Violet M. Cook; his daughter, Nicole E. Tieken (Casey) of Owensville; daughter-in-law, Rachel A. Groeber of Lafayette; sisters, Beverly K. Williams (Jimmy) of Terre Haute and Vicki L. Strohm (Joe) of St. Louis, Missouri; three grandchildren, Olivia A. Groeber, Kolt A. Davids, and Matthew K. Davids; and one great-grandchild, Kinsley J. Davids; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joy H. Groeber; and his son, Joshua R. Groeber.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home in Lafayette. The following day a Mass will be held at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lafayette. Memorial contributions can be made to the Historic Five Points Fire or Natalie’s Second Chance No Kill Dog Shelter. A special thanks to Franciscan Hospice for their compassion and care. Please leave memories and condolences at hahngroeberfuneralhome.com.