Obituary for Joseph DeGroot
DeGroot, Joseph
It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Joseph DeGroot. With his wife, Ria by his side, Joe passed away unexpected on Saturday March 17, 2018 in Avon Park, Florida. He was 90 years young.
Beloved husband of 12 years to Ria (nee Lelieveld) DeGroot and predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Else (nee Botermans) DeGroot.
Loving father of Peter (Debbie), Joanne (Colin), Mary Lou, Pam (Brett) and Tanya (David).
Proud grandfather of Tanya, Simon, Tausha, Jennifer and Taurena, Adrienne, Dustin, Paul and Leah, Matthew, Ineke and Mieke. Great-grand father to sixteen great-grand children and one great-great granddaughter.
Survived by his two sisters, Johanna van Casteren and Helen Van Riel, his sisters-in-law Mary van Loy, Mary Botermans, Wies Botermans, Wilma de Ruiter, Tonnie van Drost and his brothers-in-laws, Leo Lelieveld, Renee Lelieveld, Roel Lelieveld, John Lelieveld and Gerlach Botermans.
Also missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Joe thoroughly enjoyed the company of his family and friends and liked nothing better than to run into former students. After more than a 25 year career in education, he was a teacher first and foremost and even in retirement continued to teach his grandchildren the finer points of blueprints, repairs and handiness. Joe enjoyed his winters in Florida, especially being able to continue his love of biking, soccer and travelling and was known to strike up conversations with anyone.
Joe’s family will receive relatives and friend at the Henry Walser Funeral home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener on Monday April 2nd, 2018 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday April 3rd, 2018 at St. Anthony Daniel Church, 29 Midland Dr. Kitchener, at 11:00 am.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society or St. Anne’s Parish India Mission Fund to build a home in Joe’s memory (cards available at the funeral home).
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Joseph’s memorial.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joseph Maria Cornelis DeGroot 1927 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Kitchener, Province: Ontario