Leo DeGroot

Leo G. DeGroot of West Bend died on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Kathy Hospice at the age of 94 years. He was born May 31, 1931 to the late Mark and Marie (nee Lebrun) DeGroot.

He attended East DePere High School, graduating with the Class of 1949. In 1951, he entered the United States Army, serving until 1953. Upon his return home, he attended St. Norbert College earning his bachelor's degree in 1958. He went on to earn a masters degree from the University of New Mexico in 1964.

On August 14, 1965, he was united in marriage to Lucille A. Collins at St. Killian's Catholic Church in Hartford. Lucy predeceased January 13, 2023.

Leo lived by a similar set of values as his favorite coach, Vince Lombardi. Like Vince, he believed in Faith, Family and the Green Bay Packers, in that order.

In all aspects of his life, he was a teacher- whether it be to his children, grandchildren or the many high school students he taught over 30 years. Leo had the amazing ability to meet people at their level and forge strong and unique bonds with each person. This was especially true with his grandchildren. Grandpa would literally get down on the floor and play with each grandkid, making sure he got to know each one of them individually. Grandpa was every grandchild's biggest cheerleader and he was so proud to watch all of them become amazing adults.

Dad was a kind and compassionate man. When he was asked about what he wanted for his kids or grandkids, he always responded that he just wanted them to be good people and for them to be happy. Everything else would follow.

Leo's family was lucky enough to share experiences of two of his greatest loves in life- this country and his beloved Packers. In 2015, his oldest son Ron, accompanied him on the military Honor Flight to Washington DC for his service in the US Army. His family was there to greet him when he returned. In 2020 and 2021, Leo was nominated for the Packer Fan Hall of Fame, and was a finalist for the award. He was a fan for over 80 years.

He was a member of the Fr. Caper Rehlr Council 1964 Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Survivors include 4 children: Ronald (Gail) of Menomonee Falls, Jeffrey (Brenda) of Onalaska, Thomas of Tampa, FL and Susan (Paul) Sheehan of Naperville, IL; 7 grandchildren: Benjamin (Taylor), Jeremiah, Zachary (friend Mikayla) and Noah (friend Monique) DeGroot, Calla and Finn Sheehan and Eric Kosovec; 1 sister Mary Jean Desotell, 1 brother Guy (Lynn) DeGroot; 2 sisters-in-law Peggy DeGroot and Mary DeGroot; other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by 1 daughter Mary in childhood and 3 brothers Mark, David, Paul (Pat), brother-in-law Dean Desotell

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 12 at Holy Angels Catholic Church from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Holy Angels Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Holy Angels School Trust Fund are appreciated.

The DeGroot family would like to give a special thank you to Leo's son, Ron DeGroot, who sacrificed so much of his own time to take care of both Leo and Lucy. We are forever grateful.

The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family. Messages for the family may be left in an online guestbook at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.