Willard John Gropel, 92, Luverne, died Sunday, June 12, 2005, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. Services were Thursday, June 16, at United Methodist Church in Luverne. The Rev. Bart Fletcher officiated. Burial was at Greenwood Cemetery in Marion, S.D. Willard Gropel was born to John and Ella (Heeren) Groepel on Dec. 12, 1912, in Marion, S.D. He was raised in Marion and graduated from high school. He continued his education at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, S.D. Following college he returned home and purchased the family store. He operated Groepel General Merchandise as a third generation owner for three years.He married Phyllis Grim on May 10, 1941, in Marion. The couple later moved to Wichita, Kan., where he was employed by Boeing Aircraft for three years. The couple returned to Marion for a brief time until moving to Ivanhoe in 1946. In Ivanhoe he became the proprietor of Gropel Hardware which he operated for 27 years until his retirement in 1973. At his retirement they moved to a farm just west of Ivanhoe. They sold the farm in 1993 and moved to Luverne.Mr. Gropel was a member of United Methodist Church in Luverne. He loved to travel and especially enjoyed wintering in Texas for 22 years of his retirement. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Gropel, Luverne; two sons, Bill (Florence) Gropel, Brooklyn Park, and Gregg (Jane), Gropel, Luverne; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Luella Schlueter, Hills; and other family and friends.Mr. Gropel was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Elmer Groepel, and one sister, Mabel GladseeHartquist Funeral Home, Engebretson Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.