Roy R. Groote, 86, of Dike, passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, Iowa. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. at the Dike United Methodist Church in Dike. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 1, 2011 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Dike. Burial will follow funeral services at the Elmwood Cemetery in Dike. A memorial fund has been established.
Roy Raymond Groote was born on August 15, 1924 near Holland, Iowa, the son of Harm and Annie (Buskohl) Groote. He was raised in Holland and attended country school in rural Holland. Roy served his country during WWII. On December 20, 1946, Roy was united in marriage to Berniece Ross in Wellsburg, Iowa. After the two were married, Roy and Berniece made their home in Grundy County where they farmed together until his retirement. The couple then moved to Dike where they presently live.
Roy and Berniece wintered in Arizona for 28 years. They loved to travel together across the country. Roy enjoyed playing cards, golfing and especially flying his para plane which he flew on his 80th birthday. He loved spending time with his family and friends.
He was a member of the Dike United Methodist Church in Dike and was a member of the American Legion Post #471 of Dike.
Surviving Roy is his wife of 64 years Berniece; son, Nathan (Velda) Groote of Dike; daughters; Jean (Craig) Hemmen of Prole, IA, Joan (Denny) Dennis of Des Moines; six grandchildren, Kevin Groote, Karen (Ryan) Stampe, Matt Hemmen, Jessica (Marty) Jimmerson, Kelly (Bob) Trently, Scott ( Callie) Heisler; one step-grandson, Brian Dennis; 6 great-granddaughters; a sister Mary De Berg of Grundy Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Benjamin, Herman, Ernest.