Official Obituary and Information on Services for Tony De Groot

 

Visitation for Tony De Groot will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia.  Celebration of Life services will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Visalia First Assembly of God, 3737 South Akers in Visalia.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Visalia Christian Reformed Church and in the memo “Church House”, 1030 South Linwood St., Visalia, CA 93277.  

The Church House is a ministry in an at-risk-neighborhood of Visalia seeking to provide a safe environment to children and a space where women can grow in Christ.  

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.

Tony William De Groot - April 4, 1935 – September 15, 2015

 

It is with great sadness and joy that we announce the passing of Tony William De Groot.  Sadness because he has left us and joy because he is now with the Lord.
Tony, at the young age of 80, passed away in a plane accident while on a fishing trip in Alaska.  He was doing what he loved.

The youngest of 11 siblings, Tony was raised in Bennekom, the Netherlands. During WW II, his family was involved with the Dutch Resistance and he was impressed with the bravery of the American soldiers.  At the age of 21, Tony decided to immigrate to the United States. He and his fiancée, Betty, were married May 15, 1957 in Hollandale, Minnesota. They moved to southern California in 1959 and five years later they began what is now a successful dairy farm operation in the Central Valley.

Tony and Betty are the loving parents of: Ingrid and John Hamar; Elizabeth and Don Veenendaal; Tony and Rochelle De Groot; William and Allyson De Groot; Tamara Majors; and Willy Arts. They have 32 grandchildren including spouses and 14 great-grandchildren.

 

Tony loved God fiercely. He was a founding member of Visalia Christian Reformed Church, in 1965.  He enjoyed singing in the choir as well as leading song service. Tony was a youth group leader for many years and hosted Bible studies with Betty in their home. He was an example to his family, teaching them about living out their faith in Jesus Christ.

Tony was very passionate about Betty and the life they created together.   They adored each other's company in the simplest of ways. Together, they enjoyed watching the sunrise and sunset as well as watching the hummingbirds while having breakfast. Tony loved all his children, no matter the age, and treasured each moment he spent with them.         

For many years, Tony was involved in and supported the dairy farm community. He loved sharing his knowledge of the Ag industry and served with Rabobank, Alltech, and numerous boards.  Tony considered his business contacts as close friends. He was a role model and enjoyed sharing his faith with anyone.  

 

He also fulfilled Betty’s dream of owning a horse, and eventually developed DG Bar Ranch with his partner, Willy Arts.

Tony had a way of making everyone feel special. He was known for spending hours in the cafe cooking and baking up a storm; generously sharing hospitality with all who entered his life.  Tony had a sense of adventure to live his life to the fullest until the moment God brought him home.  We are blessed to have had such a great husband, dad, and Opa.  His legacy will live on in all of us.