Woodbury County Fair Association
Woodbury County Fair Book
Marlin Groth, or ‘Marly’ to his inner circle, graduated from Woodbury Central in 1973. Launching his cattle feeding business that same summer, he would be a steady and beloved member of the farming community for the next 44 years. Whatever it was – farm or family – Marlin proudly devoted his life to helping things grow. In 1977, he married Kathi (Bennett) and raised five beautiful children on their thriving homestead: Rachelle, Teresa, Rebecca, Christina, and Bennett. It was important to Marlin that he teach his children about farm life. His joy multiplied when he could welcome his nine grandchildren into the fold, too – teaching them, taking them on tractor rides, and more. For Marlin, the only thing better than the end of harvest season – was the weekly family dinners. Every Sunday, they gathered to share stories and laughter about the week just ending, and plans and hopes for the week ahead.
Marlin Groth, 1955-2021
When his cattle yards were empty and the crops were harvested, Marlin filled his time with pickup and tractor pulling, antique tractor rides, and riding motorcycles with his friends. He was also a longtime member of the Cattlemen's Association and in 2008 he was proud to be named Cattleman of the Year. Marlin loved collecting and restoring antique tractors. He was a member of the Tri-State Antique Tractor Association and went on tractor rides every summer.
Marlin was a longtime friend and supporter of the Woodbury County Fair, dating back to 1966 when he won Grand Champion at 11 years old. He was passionate about the Fair’s Old town antique tractor exhibit and proudly displayed numerous tractors from his private collection each year. Marlin was a Woodbury County Fair Board member for 38 years, some of that time spent on the executive board. He was always willing to lend support and a hand where needed. Every year, Marlin looked forward to visiting with people at the fair. Old friends or new friends, Marlin appreciated how the fair brought people together from across the county to support, celebrate, and educate all things agriculture.
Marlin was a longtime friend and supporter of the Woodbury County Fair, dating back to 1966 when he won Grand Champion at 11 years old. He was passionate about the Fair’s Old town antique tractor exhibit and proudly displayed numerous tractors from his private collection each year. Marlin was a Woodbury County Fair Board member for 38 years, some of that time spent on the executive board. He was always willing to lend support and a hand where needed. Every year, Marlin looked forward to visiting with people at the fair. Old friends or new friends, Marlin appreciated how the fair brought people together from across the county to support, celebrate, and educate all things agriculture.