Kurt Robert De Groff was born in Elizabethtown, New York on December 6th, 1951, to Jean Julia and Chester Roland De Groff. He died at his home in Payson, Utah on November 6th, 2023.

He grew up in the small town of Westport, NY on the shores of Lake Champlain surrounded by the woods and trees which he loved. He enjoyed learning and was a good student. He also participated in extracurricular activities and started the first drama club at his high school.

Kurt loved music and was a self-taught musician who played a variety of instruments including the guitar, keyboard, and accordion. These interests led him and some friends to establish their own recording studio. He often wrote and recorded his own songs and composed advertising jingles for various businesses. He was an accomplished photographer and enjoyed capturing images of nature.

He was converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as a young adult and served a mission in Tahiti. Kurt had a deep and abiding love of the Gospel and his Savior, Jesus Christ.

He attended Brigham Young University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He was employed by Alpine School District and taught 5th grade. He later earned a master’s degree in special education which he taught for the rest of his career. He was a beloved teacher and made a difference in the lives of many students.

Kurt met and married his wife, Virginia (Annie), in Provo, Utah where they lived until 2015 when they moved to Payson, Utah. He was a devoted husband and father who loved his family and always put their welfare first.

He is survived by his wife, Annie of Payson; two sons, Thomas of Salt Lake City and Robert [Jane] of Spring City; brother, Ian [Helen] of Westport, New York; sister, Heide Doyle [Mike] of Elizabethtown, New York; five grandchildren: Otto [Maddie] of Payson; Asa [Qianxi Xie] of Salt Lake City; Thomas [Maya] of Orem; Henry [Elise] of Provo; Athena of Spring City; and great-grandchildren: Ferris and Eden. Kurt was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Chris.

A memorial service to honor Kurt will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 952 West 1580 South in Payson, Utah. There will be visitation prior from 10-10:45 at the church.