GLADSTONE — John G. DeGroot, 67, Gladstone, formerly of Green Bay, Wis., passed away peacefully on Oct. 4, 2007.

He was born July 10, 1940, to the late Ray and Josephine (Beemster) DeGroot. He was a 1958 graduate of Premontre High School and attended St. Norbert College.

He joined the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged after four years of service, with the rank of corporal.

He was joined in marriage with the former Della DeKeyser on Nov. 28, 1964, at St. Joseph Church in Champion. The couple would have celebrated 43 years of marriage in November.

He was employed by IBM for 38 years, retiring in 2002.

John devoted his life to family and friends. He enjoyed being involved in mission work in Honduras, Central America and spending time at the hunting camp in Amberg, Wis. Most importantly, he was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his loving wife, Della; four children, Jerry (Dawn), Amberg, Jay (Jean), Tracy (Dave) Bricker, Kelly Jo DeGroot (Greg Hafeman), all of Green Bay; nine grandchildren, Melissa DeGroot (Brian Watermolen), Heather, Kellie, Josh, Derek, Dani, Caitlyn, Gracie, and Brian; and one great-grandchild, Peyton. He is also survived by five brothers, Fr. Ken, Tom (Eleanor), Green Bay, Wis., Bill (Trudy), Florence, Wis., Fred (Elaine), Green Bay, Wis. Mike (Judy), Oneida, Wis.; and one sister-in-law, Darlene DeGroot, Green Bay, Wis.

John was preceded in death by a brother, Dan, and a nephew, Ben.

Friends may call at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason Street on Sunday, Oct. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. Parish wake service will begin at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue after 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, at St. Willebrord Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. at the church with John’s brother, Rev. Ken DeGroot, O. Praem. officiating.

Entombment will be at Nicolet Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be sent to the DeGroot Family at www.prokowall.com.
The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the wonderful staff at St. Vincent Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital for all the excellent care that they provided.

Gods speed