William DeGroot

William Emerson DeGroot, "Bill" passed away on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the age of 95. Bill was born on February 19, in 1925, in Kalamazoo, to the late William and Sadie (Engels) DeGroot. He was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, attended Western Michigan University and University of Alabama. In 1943, Bill was drafted into the United States Army and served until the end of World War ll. On January 31, 1947, Bill was united in marriage to Alice Gernaat. He worked as a tax accountant at KVP Sutherland, Brown Company and James River Corporation. Bill was a Charter Member of Westwood Christian Reformed Church, where he served as both an elder and deacon. He served faithfully on many boards including Kalamazoo Christian Schools and Park Village Pines. After retirement Bill served as an accountant for the Kalamazoo Deacons Conference until the age of 92 and assisted with AARP taxes for the Portage Senior Center. He provided transportation for the Shepherd's Center. Bill and Allie enjoyed summers at Sandy Pines, and traveling throughout the country. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife Alice DeGroot; sister Martha (Harry) Mannes, brothers Herman (Kay) DeGroot and Henry DeGroot. Bill is survived by his children; Dale (Connie) DeGroot of Kalamazoo, Rosalyn "Rose" (Dennis) Wolbers of Portage, Paul (Dianne) DeGroot of Belding, and Mary Green of Kalamazoo. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Monday, February 24, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. The Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation an hour prior at Westwood Christian Reformed Church, located at 620 Northhampton Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49006. The Graveside service will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, following the funeral. Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Bill to the Kalamazoo Christian School Association or Westwood Christian Reformed Church. Please visit Bill's online guest book to leave a condolence, personal message or memory of him at https://www.langelands.com