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John Grooters

August 15, 1936 - July 16, 2018
Grand Rapids, MI

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Visitation

Saturday, July 21, 2018
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Service

Saturday, July 21, 2018
11:00 AM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Faith Hospice
8214 Pfeiffer Farms Dr. SW
Byron Center, MI 49315
(616) 235-5113
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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John Henry Grooters transitioned peacefully into Jesus' arms Monday, July 16, 2018. John was born in Grand Rapids to John W. and Delia (Joling) Grooters on August 15, 1936. He graduated from Union High School, attended Hope College, and married his high school sweetheart, Luella May Logan.

John met "Lue" while on their senior class trip. They began dating, and it didn’t take the couple long to fall in love. Married on September 5, 1958, they took a memorable honeymoon to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and they were so taken with the area that it became a future destination for many trips, both as husband and wife and later with their children and grandchildren.

After a stint with Blackmer Pump, John joined Cutter Laboratories and launched his career in pharmaceuticals sales. This was a great fit for him as he was personable, outgoing, and truly a fun guy. John told big stories, had a great sense of humor, and had a certain presence about him.

Eventually settling in the quaint and sparsely populated farming community of Hudsonville, John and Lue raised three children. During that time, many family memories were made on various vacations including those to Tennessee as well as two memorable trips out West and numerous other camping trips. John loved boating, and they had a 26-foot cabin cruiser. Together their family enjoyed many day trips and weekends spent on the boat.

Eventually retiring to South Carolina to foment Calvinism among the Southern Baptists, John and Lue thoroughly enjoyed their camper, fishing boat, and van, their new home serving as hub for many vacations together and with grandchildren.

John was also able to fully exploit his passion for hunting and fishing. It was also here that John joined the Gideons. Strong in his faith, John studied the Bible and knew his theology. Although he would be the first to admit that he was still a sinner and knew he stumbled, he also knew he was saved by grace. John’s overall demeanor also softened in later years as he became more compassionate, humble, and thankful.

During their retirement years, John and Lue were inseparable, utterly devoted to each other. As various illnesses began to take their toll, John became primary caregiver and guardian to Lue as she in turn fussed over John’s various maladies. John faced many health challenges during his life, the last few precipitating his return to Michigan, all of which he conquered before finally fighting cancer to a draw.

John is loved and survived by wife, Luella, children, Julie (Rob) Lough, John (Karen), and June (Bill) Weavers. Also surviving are grandchildren, Jamie (Grant) Heuvelman, Michelle (Nate) Hayes, Jenn Lough, Haleigh Weavers, Erin Lough, Hayden Weavers and great-grandchildren, Nikolas, Ryleigh, and Alexandria; sisters-in-law Barbara (John) Stevens, and Linda (Leroy) Troxel, several nieces and nephews.

The family gives special thanks to the staffs at St. Mary's Hospital, Faith Hospice, Christian Rest Home, and American House Grand Rapids.

Visitation will begin Saturday, July 21, at 10:00 am, one hour before the funeral service at 11am at the Alt Shawmut Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids MI 49504. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Faith Hospice or to the John William Grooters II scholarship fund at Western Seminary.

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