Anna Groen
Anna Groen went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at the age of 91. She was born in Twijzel, Friesland, The Netherlands to John and Christine Vander Veen on February 26, 1929. She spent her teenage years in occupied Netherlands during WWII and immigrated to the United States with her parents and six siblings in 1947. In 1950, Anna met and married her husband Gerrit Groen at First Christian Reformed Church where they were lifelong members. Together, they raised their six children on their dairy farm on the Barnhart Rd. Anna was a loving and deeply loved wife, mother, and grandmother with an unwavering faith and love for her Lord. Family remembers her consistently grateful spirit and servant’s heart. She ministered to her family, friends and neighbors with visits and gifts of homemade food; she faithfully prayed for them. She had a curious mind and was an avid reader. She enjoyed her daily walks, with a ready smile and cheerful conversation for whomever she encountered. Her grandchildren fondly remember lunches at Grandma’s house after Sunday church service. Also, her stories (many quite humorous) of life, growing up in Holland, including hardships endured during WWII. Words they use to describe their grandmother include: faithful, selfless, joyful, persevering, generous, resilient, hard-working, smart, spunky, direct, practical, generous, and caring. She is lovingly remembered by her children Linda (Gene) Tinklenberg, Carol (Paul) Bowman, Elaine (Terry) Kaemingk, Steve (Sheri) Groen, daughter-in-law Barb Groen, 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, as well as siblings Hank (Anjean) Vander Veen, Margaret (Bill) Visser, Jim (Tina) Vander Veen, John Vander Veen and sisters-in-law Joanne Vander Veen and Freda Groen. She was preceded in death by her husband Gerrit (2003), daughter Mary Reed (1989), son Jeff Groen (1998), brothers Nick and Ted Vander Veen, sisters-in-law Juella Vander Veen and Diane Vander Veen. A private graveside service will be held for immediate family with a celebration of her life at a future date. Memorial donations may be made to Pacific Island Ministries, Envision Mission, or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation ServicesObituary
Anna Groen went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at the age of 91. She was born in Twijzel, Friesland, The Netherlands to John and Christine Vander Veen on February 26, 1929. She spent her teenage years in occupied Netherlands during WWII and immigrated to the United States with her parents and six siblings in 1947. In 1950, Anna met and married her husband Gerrit Groen at First Christian Reformed Church where they were lifelong members. Together, they raised their six children on their dairy farm on the Barnhart Rd. Anna was a loving and deeply loved wife, mother, and grandmother with an unwavering faith and love for her Lord. Family remembers her consistently grateful spirit and servant’s heart. She ministered to her family, friends and neighbors with visits and gifts of homemade food; she faithfully prayed for them. She had a curious mind and was an avid reader. She enjoyed her daily walks, with a ready smile and cheerful conversation for whomever she encountered. Her grandchildren fondly remember lunches at Grandma’s house after Sunday church service. Also, her stories (many quite humorous) of life, growing up in Holland, including hardships endured during WWII. Words they use to describe their grandmother include: faithful, selfless, joyful, persevering, generous, resilient, hard-working, smart, spunky, direct, practical, generous, and caring. She is lovingly remembered by her children Linda (Gene) Tinklenberg, Carol (Paul) Bowman, Elaine (Terry) Kaemingk, Steve (Sheri) Groen, daughter-in-law Barb Groen, 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, as well as siblings Hank (Anjean) Vander Veen, Margaret (Bill) Visser, Jim (Tina) Vander Veen, John Vander Veen and sisters-in-law Joanne Vander Veen and Freda Groen. She was preceded in death by her husband Gerrit (2003), daughter Mary Reed (1989), son Jeff Groen (1998), brothers Nick and Ted Vander Veen, sisters-in-law Juella Vander Veen and Diane Vander Veen. A private graveside service will be held for immediate family with a celebration of her life at a future date. Memorial donations may be made to Pacific Island Ministries, Envision Mission, or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services