Joseph L. Degroot

Joseph L. DeGroot, age 95, passed away June 6, 2019. He was born December 27, 1923 in Little Chute, Wisconsin to Henry and Agnes (Janssen) DeGroot.   He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Kesler DeGroot, his parents, and sisters Margaret (Jim) Rossmeissl, Bernice and brother Florian “Chubb” (Pearl).

Joe is survived by his children Becky Irons and Jeff (Rebecca) DeGroot, granddaughters Kate (Jason) Parrish and Sonnie Irons, great-granddaughters Alaynah Campbell and Camilla Morris, and brothers Roger (Mary), Vin, Don (Laurie), Gerald (Pauline), Tim (Cherrie) and sister Doris Barron.

Joe graduated from St. John High School in Little Chute, WI in 1942.

In 1942, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific during WWII on the U.S.S. LST 694 until 1946. He married Shirley Kesler from Eureka, Illinois in 1946 and worked at Caterpillar Tractor Co. from 1946-1950. He was recalled to active duty in Korea aboard the U.S.S. Diphda AKA-59 from 1950-1952. After his service, Joe rejoined Caterpillar and retired January 1, 1983.

Burial was in Olio Twp. Cemetery, Eureka, IL. Memorials may be made in Joe’s name to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared by visiting flannerbuchanan.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Flanner Buchanan – Carmel.