Grumpy Groen

George, IA

     Verdell “Grumpy” Groen, age 83 of George, IA died Saturday, March 20, 2021 at the Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley, IA.

        A private family funeral service will be Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Jurrens Funeral Home in George, Iowa with Reverend John Pea officiating.  There will be a livestream link available to view the funeral service.

     Visitation will be Tuesday, March 23^rd  from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with the family present the Jurrens Funeral Home of George. 

    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be designated to various organizations in the community.

     Verdell Richard Groen was born February 12, 1938 to Ollie and Clara (Denekas) Groen in Sibley, Iowa.  He attended Country School and graduated from George High School in 1956.  He was a PFC in the United States Army National Guard 1956 - 1960. 

     On October 12, 1956 Grumpy was united in marriage to Judy Grave in Ashton, Iowa.  Together they made their home in Rock Rapids for 7 years before moving to Sibley.  They lived in Sibley until 1977 when they moved to George, Iowa.  They were blessed with three children, Vicki, Vonda and Jerry.  Grumpy owned Grumpy’s Place in George for 6 years.  In the past, he worked for the George Co-op Elevator.  He spent numerous years trucking and worked for Bradd Dreessen before retiring in 2020.

     Grumpy was a member, elder, and trustee at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in George.  In the past he was a volunteer for the Sibley and George Fire Departments.  He enjoyed word puzzles, computer games, watching the Twins and Aggies, and playing cards.  He enjoyed spending his winters in New Mexico where he would help his son on his Pecan Farm.  Most of all, Grumpy enjoyed visiting with everyone and spending time with his family. 

     Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 64 years, Judy; children, Vicki (Norm) Riemersma of George, IA, Vonda (Tennus) Heronemus of Orange City, IA, and Jerry (Marcella) Groen of Las Cruces, NM; 7 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and 1 great-great grandchild arriving in June; brother, Clifford (Verla) Groen of Little Rock, IA; along with many extended family and friends.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Clara; two brothers and two sisters.

                                                                                     Blessed Be His Memory.