Edward Van Grootheest

Doon, IA: Edward Van Grootheest, 81, of Doon, Iowa died Monday, February 08, 2016 at Hegg Memorial Health Center in Rock Valley. Funeral service will be held Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Doon United Reformed Church with Rev. Simon Lievaart officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley from 6:00-7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Doon Christian School.

Edward Martin Van Grootheest, son of Maas and Rolena (Driesen) Van Grootheest, was born November 6, 1934 west of Rock Valley on the family farm. Ed grew up working with his dad on the family farm until entering the United States Army. He served during the Korean War from 1954-1956, spending a portion of his time stationed in Korea. On August 30, 1957 Ed was united in marriage with Bertha Van Roekel. The couple made their home on a farm north of Doon until moving into Doon in 1998. After milking for Simon Post and Sons he was a Moorman Feed salesman. Later he worked at Rock Valley Block and Tile until retirement.

Ed enjoyed camping, playing cards, and in recent years, watching the Gameshow Network. Ed moved to Whispering Heights in Rock Valley in November 2014.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bertha; 2 daughters, Lin (Dennis) DeJong of Carmel and Wanda (Randy) Bliek of Rock Valley; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry (Norma) Van Grootheest of Doon; 2 brothers-in-law, Hans (Wilma) Van Roekel of Doon and Case Van Roekel of Orange City, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Maas and Rolena; parents-in-law, Willem and Minnie Van Roekel; sister, Theresa (Bernie) Te Slaa; and niece Judy Te Slaa.