DeGroot, Freeman W. 1927-2003

DEGROOT, THOMAS

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-Volunteer
Date: 1/14/2014 at 16:22:09

Source: Sioux County Capital of Orange City (6-12-2003)

Born: July 12, 1927
Died: June 4, 2003

Freeman W. DeGroot was born July 12, 1927, to John and Minnie (VanPeursem) DeGroot in Alton. He grew up on a farm near Newkirk, attending Newkirk Elementary School, and later moved to a farm near Orange City where he attended Orange City Public School. Freeman was drafted into the US Marines during WWII. He served his country by performing guard duty in the South Pacific immediately following the war. After his tour of duty, he attended Finley Engineering College in Kansas City, Missouri, and then returned to Orange City to begin his career as an electrician and HVAC technician.

On June 12, 1963, he married Nancy Thomas of Bozeman, Montana. They raised three children: Tad, Tim and Thea. During this time they lived near Orange City. After retiring in 1989, Freeman and Nancy moved to Bozeman to be near family there.
Freeman died on June 4, 2003, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Plus. Funeral services were held at the Gallatin Gateway Community Church in Gallatin Gateway, Montana on Saturday, June 7, at 2:00 P.M. Burial followed at the Salesville Cemetery near Gallatin Gateway.

When Freeman retired, he was described in Northwestern College’s newspaper, “The Beacon”, as the “quintessential quiet person who does his job and does it well.” He valued God and his family in everything he did. He was an example to his family and all those around him in the way he lived out his faith with patience and humility.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy of Bozeman; his son Tad and wife Karen (Visser) DeGroot and their daughters Kimberlee, Rochelle and Erin of Bozeman; his son and wife Merrill (Morgan) DeGroot and their sons Bryce and Nolan of Belgrade, Montana; and daughter Thea DeGroot of Pasadena, California. He is also survived by two brothers, Stewart and wife Julie (Douma) DeGroot of Alton and Harold and wife Alyce (Wiersema) DeGroot of Sioux Center; and four nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held at the Gallatin Gateway Community Church at 2 P.M. on Saturday, June 7.

Memorials will be directed to the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, a benevolent mission organization of the Christian Reformed Church; CRWRC, 2850 Kalamazoo Avenue, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560.