Kenneth Grooters

Kenneth Glenn Grooters was born on December 6, 1928, on the family farm in Osceola County, Iowa, to Arie and Ella (Ossenfort) Grooters. At a young age, Kenneth's parents had instilled in him a strong work ethic, a skill he carried throughout his entire life. He grew up on a cattle farm and quickly became accustomed to a hard day's work. Upon graduating high school in George, Iowa, in 1948, Kenneth enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 6, 1951. He was ranked as a Sergeant when he was honorably discharged on January 6, 1955. After serving, Kenneth began his life long career of farming. He was proud to own a registered dairy Holstein herd. On August 15, 1958, Kenneth married the love of his life, Muriel Smith, in George. Their union was blessed with four sons and 58 years of life together. In 1975, after farming for a while near George, they purchased a farm by Verdi, Minnesota. They lived on this farm until moving into Lake Benton, Minnesota, in 2002. Muriel passed away on December, 28, 2016. She may have left this world but she never left Kenneth's heart. Kenneth passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the Pipestone County Medical Center in Pipestone, Minnesota, at the age of 95.

Kenneth was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake Benton. He spent many hours at the Pipestone Livestock Auction in Pipestone. You could always find him in the crowd on Tuesday's and Thursday's, watching those auctions. Kenneth will be remembered by his tendency to have a 'lead foot' when driving - he was always trying to race someone to the next destination! He touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact of his love for his family and friends. 

Kenneth is lovingly remembered by his sons, Kevin (Helen) of Elkton, South Dakota, David (Linda) of Verdi, Dayle (Christine) of Tyler, Minnesota, and Jason (Kristin) of Lake Benton; 19 grandchildren, Kayla, Zachary, Nicholas, Samantha, Justin, Melissa, Amanda, EllaMae, Matthew, Brooklyn, Brett, Kelsey, Joshua, Katelyn, Alianna, Autumn, Carson, Destiney, and Jada; 11 great-grandchildren, plus two on the way; one brother, Norman (Audrey) Grooters of Vancouver, Washington; and many other loving family members and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Muriel Grooters; parents, Arie and Ella; one grandson, Kristopher Grooters; and his sister, Helen Starr.