Arthur Degroot

Arthur L. DeGroot Sr., age 86 of Faribault, died Tuesday, August 20, 2008 at the St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault following an extended illness.    Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lukes Church in Faribault with the Rev. Aaron Brockmeier, pastor officiating. Interment will be held at the Maple Lawn Cemetery, Faribault.    Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to services.    Arthur Louis DeGroot, the son of John and Martina (Van Der Aa) DeGroot, was born on September 30, 1921 in Faribault. On June 19, 1948 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Kelsey in Faribault. Mrs. DeGroot preceded him in death on March 25, 1993. Art farmed for many years in Rice County, most of those near Webster. In the late in 1950's, while farming, Art started working at Nutting Truck and Caster Co. and in 1960 they moved from their farm to Faribault. Art worked at Nutting's until his retirement in 1983. Art enjoyed playing cards, fishing, walking, visiting with family and friends and watching TV, especially, Wheel of Fortune and Wrestling.    He is survived by eight children, Kay Kes of Faribault, Sharon (Richard) Pirkl of Faribault, Eugene (Kathy) Kelsey of Atlanta, GA, Robert (Lois) DeGroot of Faribault, Donald DeGroot and Robin Nagel of Waterville, Ardis (Al) Moldenhauer of Faribault, Buck (Marilee) DeGroot of Faribault and Arthur DeGroot Jr. and fiance Missy Archambault of Faribault; by 53 grandchildren and great grandchildren; by his sister, Agnes Webb of Faribault, by five brothers, Tony (Marilyn) DeGroot of Lakeville, MN, Leo DeGroot of Faribault, Myron (Leola) DeGroot of Faribault, Fritz (Pam) DeGroot of Dixon, MO and Bill (Iva) DeGroot of Otis Orchards, Washington; by his sister in law, Eunice DeGroot of Kaukauna, WI and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.    He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his grandson, Jim DeGroot, three sisters, Rosella Wallace, Martha Gillis and Elizabeth Sneva and by two brothers, John and Francis DeGroot.