Donald Joseph DeGroot

1931 - 2017

Donald Joseph DeGroot obituary, 1931-2017

BORN

1931

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary

466 North Winchester Blvd

Santa Clara, California

Donald DeGroot Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 15, 2017.

Don DeGroot passed away peacefully on September 14 at his home in Santa Clara, CA.
Don was born on November 12, 1931 in Green Bay Wisconsin, the only child of Charles and Bertha (Puissant) DeGroot. Don was raised on a farm in the rural Green Bay community of Preble. After his father died in 1948, he and his mother moved into Green Bay.
Don graduated from Green Bay's Central Catholic High School in 1949, and attended Saint Norbert's College. He then joined the Navy and served for 4 years during the Korean War. He met his future bride, Barbara Hansen in 1952 while stationed at Moffett Field.
After receiving an honorable discharge in 1955, he was hired by Noel J. Brown Manufacturing Company, becoming a journeyman tool and die maker. While working in the business, he rose to become an owner/partner and eventually plant manager and president. During his tenure with Brown Manufacturing he was National Director & past District Chairman of American Metal Stamping Association (AMSA). He was also a founder of Memory Disk Manufacturing Company & Distec Manufacturing Company.
Don was a very active member of St. Justin's Catholic Church in Santa Clara, serving selflessly in church ministries. He is a past president of the St. Justin's men's club, called the Stablemates.
While his sons were in their teen years, Don served in many positions with Boy Scout Troop 78, including being Scoutmaster.
The family enjoyed many years boating at Camanche Lake, near Stockton, CA, with Don facilitating both family and friends in boating and water sports such as skiing, wake boarding and the like.
Upon the sale of Noel J. Brown Manufacturing Company in 1982, he retired and took up many hobbies, passions and travels. These included becoming an FCC licensed Amateur Radio Operator, call sign KA6TGE. As a volunteer Ham, he devoted extensive time to emergency communications for local community agencies. He was Chief Radio Officer/Emergency Coordinator for the City of Santa Clara for 10 years.
During retirement, Don and Barb enjoyed motor homing and made trips covering many miles all over America. He also enjoyed model railroading and slot car racing, and was a member of numerous clubs and organizations related to these interests. He also served as a volunteer driver with Campbell Seniors & Heart of the Valley.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barb, four children; Dan DeGroot (Kim) in San Luis Obispo, CA, Donna Vidal (Steve) in San Jose, CA, David DeGroot in Placerville, CA, Della Accardo (Mike) in Clovis, CA, 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
A rosary will be Friday, September 22, 7 PM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester, Santa Clara. Private reflection time will be available at 6 PM.
The funeral will be Saturday, September 23, 10 AM at St. Justin's Catholic Church, 2655 Homestead, Santa Clara. There will be a private graveside ceremony on Monday.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to St. Justin's community ministries, or a charity of their choice

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald DeGroot

Sponsored by Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary.

What is your first memory of Donald?

Share a favorite memory you have of Donald.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Donald.

Describe a time when Donald made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Donald?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Donald.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Donald.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Donald.

What is something you learned from Donald?

Not sure what to say?

August 5, 2022

Friend

Carl Kennedy

Not sure what lead me to search for the Degroot's but I guess that shows the impact they had on me back in 1973 at Lake Camanche. My mom and I had a trailer across from their trailer and very little money. The Degroot's took me into their family in 1973 and Don taught me how to ski. He was so patient and must have brought that boat around a hundred times. What a wonderful man and wonderful family. I daydreamed about growing up in such a family. My wife of 41 years and I are now retired and living in Seal Beach, Ca. Very fond memories of the Degroots and the summer of 1973. Carl Kennedy [email protected]

September 23, 2017

Maria Rusboldt (Guinane)

Remembering respectfully Della's dad, she spoke so fondly and lovingly. Della a good friend from long ago, colleague and comrade. You are being thought of and are in prayer.

September 20, 2017

Howard & Karolyn Fairbanks

We always enjoyed our visits with Don & Barbara when they came to Oroville and in King City. He will be greatly missed. Howard (W6AIL) and Karolyn Fairbanks

September 20, 2017

Daughter

Donna Vidal

I loved my dad so very much. He meant the world to me. I'm having a hard time accepting the fact that he's really gone. Rest in Peace Daddy. I will see you on the other side.

September 18, 2017

Friend

Eva Eveleth

The Eveleth family will miss you, our good friend and neighbor. God Bless and Happy Trails on your new journey.

September 17, 2017

Janet Harwood

Sorry to hear of your loss. It is not easy to lose your Dad and spouse. I am so glad he was able to enjoy retirement and travel. My prayers are with your family at this time.
(formally from Santa Clara)

September 17, 2017

Janeen Bezona

My condolences to the whole family and hugs! I will miss Don and his laughter and his caring ability to include all the kids as family. He was a favorite LRN!

September 17, 2017

Dan & Kim,
May the Lord hold you close to Him in this time of sadness. Your dad led a beautiful life. He touched the lives of many people. You and your family will continue to be in our prayers.
All our love,
Laurie & Brian Gahagan ,

September 17, 2017

Teacher

Marjorie Domench-Bartlett

September 17, 2017

Deacon Tom

Eternal blessings on your father.

September 16, 2017

Friend

Patty Rich

I had heard about" Ma & Pa Degroot" many years before I actually met them. My husband was Bob Rich & he grew up in the neighborhood. One day about 27 years ago Donna spotted a big rig that said Bob Rich Trucking on the door & took a chance writing a note asking if this was the same Bob Rich she knew growing up & left her phone number.the rest as they say is history......
I finally got to meet this family that I heard so much about & Donna & I became best friends. I began calling them Ma & Pa like my husband did & they referred to us as " the brats".
I learned about what an honorable man he was, about his moral convictions, his generosity, his loyalty to his community & his love of God. I also heard the old Ben Gay story involving my husband, but that is for a different time & place. Lol
He was loved & will be missed by many. My condolence goes out to his entire family & friends at this very sad time.
With love & respect - Patty Rich

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Donald DeGroot's name

Memorial Events
for Donald DeGroot

Sep

22

Rosary

7:00 p.m.

Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary

466 N. Winchester, Santa Clara, CA

Sep

23

Funeral

10:00 a.m.

St. Justin's Catholic Church

2655 Homestead, Santa Clara, CA

Funeral services provided by:

Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary

466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050

How to support Donald's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Donald DeGroot's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more