Grooters, John 1878-1958

GROOTERS, VERSTEEG

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 2/16/2017 at 21:56:16

Source: Boyden Reporter (12-4-1958)

Born: October 20, 1878
Died: November 24, 1958

Mr. John Grooters, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bernard John Grooters of Boyden, was born in Sioux County on October 20, 1878. He reached the age of 80 years, 1 month and 4 days. Death was due to a heart condition and complications, Mr. Grooters passed away at his home in Boyden Monday, November 24th at 3:00 A.M. following a 9 months illness.

On February 20, 1901 he was united in marriage to Maggie Ver Steeg and to this union three daughters and four sons were born, all of whom survive besides the widow. They are: Bernard Grooters of Hull, Arie Grooters of Clarkfield, Minnesota, “Janet” Mrs. Henry Vanden Bosch of of Fertile, Iowa, Raymond Grooters of Sanborn, “Marvella” Mrs. Peter Kooiman of Redlands, California, “Lydia” Mrs. Anthony Smit of Danvers, Minnesota, and Lawrence Grooters of Pella, Iowa. He also leaves to mourn 23 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, three sisters and four brothers, William Grooters and Ben Grooters of Sheldon, Gerrit Grooters of Fort Dodge, Iowa, “Minnie” Mrs. Hills of Portland, Oregon, “Janet” Mrs. Albert Slothouber of Orange City, “Anne” Mrs. Albert Grooters of Orange City, besides a host of other relatives.

Mr. Grooters was a faithful member of the First Reformed Church. He served as consistory member of the Church for 30 years and Sunday School Superintendent for 25 years and was active in community affairs.

Funeral services were held Friday, November 28th at 1:00 P.M. at the home and 1:30 at the First Reformed Church with Reverend Henri J. Steunenberg and Reverend J.W. Brink of Orange City officiating. Mrs. Case Slothouber played the organ while Mrs. Scott Sneller of Sioux Center sang “There Is No Night There” and “When Morning Dawns.”

Pallbearers were six grandsons: Wayne Vanden Bosch of Fertile, Iowa, Donald Vanden Bosch of Fertile, Iowa, Rodney Grooters of Hull, Russell Smit of Danvers, Minnesota, John Grooters of Clarkfield, Minnesota, Donald Vande Garde of Boyden.

Relatives and friends from a distance attending the funeral were from Preston, Minnesota; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Monroe, South Dakota, Fort Dodge, West Bend, Pella and Fertile, Iowa and surrounding towns.