De Groot, Rev. Harold 1928-2013

DEGROOT, VEGTER, EERKES

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:38

The Reverend Harold De Groot, 84 of Mount Vernon passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013. Harold was born at home, on the family farm on October 20, 1928 in Orange City, Iowa, the sixth child in just as many years to Leonard and Jeanette (Vegter) De Groot. He had to grow up fast as there was farm work to do, and plenty of mischief to get into with his eight fun-loving siblings. At the age of four, he began attending the country school, and once that routine started, he would continue it for the next 19 years. It culminated on graduation day in 1952 from Calvin Seminary. God providentially crossed Harold's path with that of Marjean Eerkes at Calvin College, and they married in 1950. He interned at the Luctor, KS, Christian Reformed Church and then accepted a call to Hull CRC, North Dakota as his first church. During his ministry there, two daughters joined the family.
The family felt settled but God had other plans. A call came inviting them to serve as missionaries in Nigeria. Harold welcomed the challenge and lovingly guided his family through all the traveling, planning, packing, adventures, and tearful farewells which became such a part of life during the next 15 years. Three more children – sons – arrived, and life was full, but blessed. Harold kept busy with church planting in the bush, and teaching, training, mentoring, and ministering to the Tiv people – which he did fluently in their own language. Children do grow, and all too soon college called. Harold and Marjean followed them home to the U.S. and over the next 22 years Harold ministered to Christian Reformed congregations in Ocheyedan, IA; Sioux Falls, SD; Sunnyside, WA; and De Motte, IN.
He retired in 1992, and moved to Mount Vernon, WA, with Marjean who was the love of his life. The couple traveled some, and Harold did a variety of other things in recent years. He enjoyed life until his health began to fail. A true people-person, Harold was at his best interacting with others. His love for the Lord was evident as was his desire to serve with compassion and selflessness. He was lot fun to be around, and people were drawn to him. He rarely forgot someone's name. Harold was a real gentleman and an honorable man – a true father figure to his family. He loved his Lord above all and his wife unconditionally. He knew that nothing was more important than passing the baton of faith to his children and grandchildren. Harold is survived by his wife, Marjean, and their five children and families: Marjo (De Groot) and Otto Rouw of Mount Vernon, WA and their children; Tami (Rouw) and Chad Nelson of Cloquet, MN; Juli (Rouw) and Randy Oostra of Mount Vernon; Sheri (Rouw) and Ryan Link of Sioux Falls, SD; and Lisa (Rouw) and Nate Sukuma of Mount Vernon: Marilee (De Groot) and Loren Vander Wal of Pella, IA, and their children; Jonathan and Trista of Congo, Africa; Joy and Jordan Roose of Pella, IA; Jenae and David Van Ee of Winter Springs, FL; and Julia of Fort Carson, CO: Bob and Marlene (Boersma) of Ontario, CA, and their children; Christopher and Keri of St. Louis, MO; Angela and Cody See of Ontario, CA; and Kevin of Denver, CO: Tim and Julie (Van Klompenberg) of Sunnyside, WA, and their children; Megan (De Groot) and Sam Fopma; Michael and Denise (Vande Burgt); and Matthew, all of Sioux Center, IA: and Todd and Tiffany (Meyer) of Memphis, TN, and their children; Trisha (De Groot) and Scott Hengemuhle; David and Katie all of Longview, Tx; Karalee, Anna, William and Andrew of Memphis, TN. From these families there are presently 21 great grandchildren – with three still unborn.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, and five older siblings. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be designated for Christian Reformed World Missions (2850 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560-0200), or to the Gideons (PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800) or to the Action International Ministries (POB 398, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043) designated for Seafarers Mission: Pastor John and Jean Van Hemert.
You may share your memories of Harold, and sign his online guest register at www.kernfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.
Published in Kankakee Valley Post News from Mar. 8 to Apr. 7, 2013