Robert L. DEGROOTE

DEGROOTE, SATTER, WELTER, RISVOLD, VELDHOUSE, LERDAL, BENSON, JANSSEN, RIEDEL, HAMMACK

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/8/2013 at 10:12:13

May 15, 1921 --- September 28, 2013

Robert L. DeGroote, 92, passed away on Sept. 28th 2013, at Sunny View Nursing Facility in Ankeny, where he had been a resident since August. Prior to moving to Ankeny, Robert lived at Huskamp Haven Assisted Living in Algona.

Robert was born on May 15th, 1921 at West Bend, Iowa, the son of Perrie and Ellen (Satter) DeGroote. He grew up in Corwith and graduated from Corwith High School in 1939. After completing two years at Iowa State University Robert then spent three years in the service. From 1943 to 1946 he served in the Philippines and New Guinea. When he returned to Corwith he married his high school sweetheart Mary Jane Welter on February 4th, 1946. Together they had five children. Robert farmed in Corwith until his retirement in 1987. After his retirement he cared for his wife Mary Jane until she passed away in August of 1992. In 1995 Robert married Mable Risvold Veldhouse. Robert and Mable enjoyed seventeen happy years of marriage until Mable passed away in November 2012.

Over the years, Robert was an active and involved member of his community. A lifelong Democrat, he was the Hancock Democratic Chairman for many years. He also served as a council member in Corwith and was a member of the Legion. Robert was also an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where at different times he served as the Church Director, lector, and on the Church Council. Robert had a variety of interests and he enjoyed reading in his later years. The library was one of his favorite places to go while living at Huskamp Haven in Algona.

His unconditional love for his family, his optimism, his ready smile, and strong faith are only a few of the attributes that made him the 'best Dad ever' to his children. His family was the true joy of his life and he loved telling anyone that visited him that he had 19 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. The way he gave of his life to his family will be always be remembered by his children and grandchildren.

Robert is survived by 3 daughters: Debbie (Don) Lerdal, of Ankeny; Doralyn (Ken) Benson of Cedar Rapids; Donnelle (Danny) Janssen; one son David (Joyce) DeGroote of Indianola; 19 grandchildren; and 27 great grandchildren. He also has one living sister, Dolores (Bob) Riedel, of Algona. He was preceded in death by his two wives, Mary Jane and Mable, his son Dennis DeGroote, his brothers Darrel and Harlan DeGroote, and his sister Helen Hammack.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Joseph Church at Wesley.

http://www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com/obituary/118988/Robert-Bob-DeGroote-of-Corwith/