** Due to the ongoing construction on Rt. 30 please click here for an alternate route to the funeral home if you are coming from the West: Alternate Route **
Peter Allen Groenewold, 75, of Pensacola FL, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 30th, 2024 in Pensacola, FL. The family will receive guests from 9-11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 23rd, 2024 at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Ln, Dyer, IN. A memorial service will be held immediately following the visitation time at 11:30 a.m. with services conducted by Rev. Mark Prestriedge. An interment service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W Hoff Rd, Elwood, IL 60421. Peter was born April 28th,1949 in Chicago, IL to Frank and Thelma (Devos) Groenewold. Thelma preceded him in death at a very young age. Frank then married Clara Bernice (Vandermuil) and raised Peter in a happy, growing family. He graduated from Thornridge High School, class of 1967. Peter then served his country in the US Army from 1969-1975, with a 14-month tour in Vietnam. After his return from service, Peter married Lynn, the love of his life and started a career in design at Cargill, but eventually joined the South Holland Police Force in 1977. Peter became a skilled police officer who dedicated 23 years of service to his community, going on to be a range instructor/sharpshooter, paramedic, and firefighter in South Holland. “Pistol” Pete was a hero to his family and the many that he served. Pete also enjoyed being in nature, motorcycle trips across the country, singing in his church choir, working on community service projects, and especially being dad and grandpa to his daughters and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 50 years, Lynn (Gouwens) Groenewold, whom he married March 2nd, 1974 in South Holland; his 4 daughters, Stacy (Ryan) Fouch of Kalamazoo MI, Kristen Groenewold of Pensacola FL, Jennifer (Brian) Delbovo of Pensacola, and Kimberly (Nicholas) Barr of Kalamazoo; and his 7 grandchildren, Kylie, Addison, and Alexys of Kalamazoo; Ismael of Pensacola, and Ruby, Roxy, and Vivian of Kalamazoo, MI. He will be remembered and loved by his siblings, Joanne (James) Olthoff, Frank (Laurie) Groenewold, and Karen (Ken) Little with many nieces, nephew, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and niece Karly (Little), who are now rejoicing with him in heaven.
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