Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1945
DIED
2025
John Groninga Obituary
May 5, 1945 - January 24, 2025
MASON CITY - John Groninga, 79, of Mason City, passed away at his residence on Friday, January 24, 2025.
John was born in Hackensack, New Jersey on May 5, 1945 to Jack and Frances Groninga. He grew up in Butler County and graduated from Dumont High School in 1963. He received his B.S. and M.S from Iowa State University. He served in U.S. Army from 1968-69 and was a Vietnam veteran.
John taught English and reading at Mason City High School from 1970-80. He was an English instructor at North Iowa Area Community College from 1985 to 2010 and served as division chair of the department during part of that time.
He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, served on the board of Lime Creek Nature Center and was on the Mason City Planning and Zoning Commission for 22 years.
John represented North Iowa in the Iowa House of Representatives for 10 years, where he was in involved in many issues regarding taxes, insurance, economic development and environmental issues. During his legislative service he managed the passage of Iowa's REAP legislation and the Industrial Jobs and Training Act (260E Program).
He is survived by a brother Jim Groninga (Regina), Clyde, Texas, nieces, numerous cousins and a wealth of friends.
Memorials should be directed to Lime Creek Nature Center or North Iowa Community College Foundation. Cards can be sent % Coni Samsel 361 S. Pennsylvania 3-A, Mason City, IA 50401.
Per his wishes, no services are planned at this time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Groninga
6 Entries
Kim Korn
January 29, 2025
John enriched my appreciation for literature, poetry, and music my teacher in high school. Beyond that, we developed a friendship lasting decades. John was a thoughtful, bold, well-reasoned, and respectful person.
Craig Harrington
January 29, 2025
John was my favorite teacher at MCHS in 1973. Not only for his teaching - he treated everyone as if they had value.
Bob Johnson
January 28, 2025
Condolences on John's passing. I am saddened.
John and were friends, but not usually in agreement politically.
Bob Johnson
Steven Eau Claire
January 28, 2025
I met him when he stopped by our house when he was running for the Iowa House. He won us all over with his personality.
Ric Sullivan
January 28, 2025
Super nice man whom would always stop for a chat.
Laura Sabby
January 28, 2025
An inspiration that will always be remembered. John taught Creative Writing when I was in school. He made the time memorable and treated all with respect.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in John Groninga's name
Memorial Events
for John Groninga
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Groninga's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
