Viola De Groot

VIOLA DE GROOT was born June 7, 1914 to Bert and Gertrude (De Young) Ver Steeg near Chandler, Minnesota. She lived near Lake Wilson, Minnesota until the age of three when her family then moved to Hull, Iowa. She attended country school in Sioux County, Iowa. On January 31, 1941 Viola was united in marriage to John De Groot in her parents' home in Hull. The couple later moved to Sheldon, Iowa from 1945 - 1947, back to Hull, Iowa from 1947 - 1952, Worthington, Minnesota from 1952 - 1963, and finally settled in Luverne, Minnesota where they remained the rest of their lives. After years as a homemaker, Viola began her career with Home Health Care of Rock and Nobles County in 1969 and continued in various capacities for over the next twenty-five years. John preceded Viola in death on May 16, 1996. She continued to reside at their home and remained active with volunteer work. In 1997 Viola moved to the Poplar Creek Assisted Living where she resided until February 2009 when she became a resident at the Good Samaritan Society - Mary Jane Brown Home. On Tuesday, October 29, 2013 Viola went to be with her Lord at the age of 99 years, four months and 22 days.

Viola was an active member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne, Minnesota. She taught Sunday School for many years and was active in Rebecca Circle. In her later years, Viola truly enjoyed spending time with friends at the Luverne Senior Citizens Center.

Viola will be lovingly remembered by her two sons, Arthur and wife Joy De Groot of Santa Ana, California, Gaylord and wife Barbara De Groot of Andover, Minnesota; daughter, Janice and her husband Harry Goodwin of Youngtown, Arizona; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Burdella De Jager of Luverne; two sisters-in-law, Tillie Ver Steeg of Rock Rapids, Iowa and Anna Mae Ver Steeg of Luverne; and many nieces, nephews, and other family. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; great-granddaughter, Kaylie Dickerson; parents, Bert and Gertrude; four brothers, Evan Earl, Ronald, Norman, and Vernon Ver Steeg; and two sisters, Elnora De Wild, and Margaret Van Veldhuizen.