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Albert Ceigle "Al" Groothuis

Albert Groothuis Obituary

Albert Ceigle "Al" Groothuis Albert Ceigle "Al" Groothuis, age 77, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 17, 2009. He was born in Haigler, Nebraska on October 25, 1931. He grew up in Shenandoah, Iowa where he learned carpentry from his father. He graduated college from Northwest Missouri State University and Western Michigan University. He moved to Battle Creek, Michigan to teach art and shop in the Battle Creek School System. He met his future wife, Elfriede (Schnoor) Groothuis, in the same week he arrived in Battle Creek and they married on June 28, 1958. Al taught for Battle Creek Public Schools, Harper Creek Schools and worked at the Federal Center until retirement. There are many woodworking projects and remodeling jobs that Al built around Shenandoah and Battle Creek. He enjoyed his shop, visiting his neighbors and friends and demonstrating antique tools. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for fifty years, the Battle Creek Art Center, and the Wheatland Music Organization. He also was involved in many volunteer activities. Al was preceded in death by his wife, Elfriede (Schnoor) Groothuis. He is survived by sons John (Lesley) Groothuis of Leesburg, VA, Peter (Jana) Groothuis, Boone, NC. He is also survived by grandchildren Lyssa and Alexander of Leesburg and Andrew of Boone, and his sisters Maxine Lewis of Arizona City and Marjorie Wright of Shenandoah. At the request of the family, friends may call after 5:00 pm. Friday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where they will be received 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services to celebrate Albert's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2009. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals On Wheels, Community Action Food & Nutrition, P.O. Box 1026, 175 Main S., Battle Creek, MI 49016; The Disaster Relief Fund through the First Presbyterian Church, 111 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017; or Wheatland Music Organization, P.O. Box 22, Remus, MI 49340. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Mar. 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Groothuis

16 Entries

Curtis Warfield

April 6, 2009

John & Pete:
I just finding out about your dad's passing. So sorry to hear this news. He was a good man, good teacher and wonderful father. Stay Blessed.

Leland BORLAND

March 23, 2009

March 23, 2009
I have many fond memories of our childhood growing up together in Shenandoah, IA. The world is a better place because of Al. God bless him.
Russ Borland, Normal, IL

Bryson Teachout

March 23, 2009

Albert and I were classmates in Shenandoah and played football as tackles. Our condolences to all your family.

Chuck Irvin

March 22, 2009

Albert and I were high school classmates in Shenandoah and have been good frirnds for many years,when the boy's were small they visited our home with their parents on trips back to Shenandoah,he will be mised.

John Butler

March 19, 2009

I had the pleasure to know Al for the past 14 years. When I first met him I was in high school and on the wrong path in life. I had the honor to work with him and to help him on many of his projects around town. He helped me learn carpentry and many things about myself that still affect me to this day. I have often thought about his firm handshake and welcoming look in his eye. He will be missed by many more than I. Thank you AL for everything. John

Cheryl Southern

March 19, 2009

I just saw Mr. Groothuis at the hospital last week. I knew him from seeing him at BCCHS and later when he and his wife shopped at Felpausch, he used to joke with all of us, his sense of humor was great. He was a very nice person and I miss them both...they made our days at work a lot nicer when they came in. God bless you all.
Cheryl

Tina

March 19, 2009

John, Peter & families,
I was not fortunate enough to have known Al but for about 3 years. The first time I met him, he had me full of smiles and laughter. Everytime I saw him, he would greet me with a wonderful 'hello' and most times, with a great hug or handshake. To many, including myself, Al was not only a friend, but a grandfather as well. He had, and still does have, a very special place in my heart. He will be deeply missed. God definitely blessed you with a wonderful father.

James and Lil Wathen

March 19, 2009

Al and I taught at Southwestern and Southeastern Jr. Highs in BC for many years and he helped build a circular stairway in a Bellevue area farm house that many thought should have had a match thrown on it...but he saw possibilities. Thanks, Al. You are in my prayers.

Gerri Newnum

March 19, 2009

I'm saddened to hear this news. Al was a part of wonderful Harper Creek memories.

Jane Ratner

March 19, 2009

We are so sorry to hear of Al's passing. I got to know him through his work at the Federal Center, and later reconnected during the years in which he spent his Thanksgiving mornings carving turkeys and serving holiday dinners at the Franklin Center. Al Groothuis was a good man; one whose many good works will live on in our community for a very long time. My deepest sympathy to his family. Jane and Marv Ratner

Ray Woolner

March 19, 2009

John and Peter (and families),
Your father has been a constant in the Woolner household for the last 40+ years. From the time we moved to Battle Creek your Dad was a faithful friend and cherished neighbor. He has watched out for us, helped us and in recent years kept an eye on our Mother for us. He exemplified a Christian way of life in his giving and caring nature. I will always have a warm spot in my heart for Al. God bless you and may He bring you comfort in this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ray, Mary, Mackenzie and Morgan Woolner

James and Carrie Hoglen

March 19, 2009

We would like to express our sadness at Al's passing. We have enjoyed working with Al on various projects in our homes and at church. The many caravan trips, the cross on the youth building. We will miss him. Blessings, Jim, Carrie, Brian and Renae Hoglen

Larry and Nancy Bartlett

March 19, 2009

God's blessings to Als family. We are so blessed to have all of your fathers work at our church. We are sorry to miss his services as we are in Florida.

Bill Halstead

March 19, 2009

I worked with your mother at Washington School and through teaching got to know your Dad. This world is poorer with their loss.

Gerri Lyman

March 19, 2009

My deepest sympathy to your family. I remember Mr. Groothuis when he taught shop at BC Central. Then he went to the Federal Central & I got to see him again. He was truly a very sincere & geniune man.

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