Theodore R. Groen

George, Iowa Theodore R. Groen, age 83 of George, IA died Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at Lyon Manor Nursing and Rehab in Rock Rapids, IA. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Monday, March 11th at Hope Reformed Church in George, IA, with Rev. David Poppen officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Lawn Cemetery in George. Visitation will be Sunday, March 10th from 2:00 to 7:00 PM, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of George. Theodore was born May 30, 1929 in Lyon County, Iowa, the son of Harm and Elska Ella (Garrels) Groen. He was raised on farm near George, IA and attended #3 School in Dale Township. After his education he remained with his parents helping with the family farm. On January 12, 1953 he entered the United States Army where he served in Korea earning the rank of Corporal. He was honorably discharged on December 23, 1954 and returned home to the George area. He was united in marriage to Mildred Hilbrands on February 5, 1955 at Hope Reformed Church of George. The couple lived in George all their married life. He began working at Farmers Elevator in George hauling coal and worked his way up to Assistant Manager. He retired after 34 years and worked part time at George Elevator as a feed miller operator. Ted was a member of Hope Reformed Church of George, 18 year member of the George Fire Department, member of the Van Anne-Fields Post No. 6960 VFW in Rock Rapids and a life time member of the Jack Sauter Post No. 404 American Legion in George, of which he was very active for many years. He also served on the board for the Commission Of Veterans Affair for 27 years. He enjoyed fishing for catfish, visiting with people, playing pinochle, car rides in the country, and attending sales. On March 30, 2006 Teds wife, Mildred died after 51 years of marriage. In August of 2012 Ted entered Lyon Manor Nursing & Rehab Center in Rock Rapids, IA, where he remained until this past Wednesday, March 6, 2013 where he died at the age of 83. He is survived by a daughter, Jean (husband Pat) Murray of Laurens, IA; two sons, Bruce (wife Terri) Groen of Spencer, IA and Dale Groen of George, IA; four grandchildren, Joseph Petersen, Andrew Petersen, Kady Groen and Brody Groen; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harm and Ella Groen; his wife, Mildred Groen; two sisters, Reka Luitjens and Helen Kruger; and a brother, George Groen.