James "Jim" Van Groll

James “Jim” Van Groll, 77, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Jim was born on June 15, 1948 to the late William and Barbara (Coenen) Van Groll.  He was united in marriage to Roberta (“Bobbie”) Lettau on August 14, 1980 and she preceded him in death on January 13, 2009.  He later married Nancy Szymanski on August 23, 2015. He dedicated 28 years to Pierce Manufacturing until retirement in 2014. Jim spent 1975 – 1995 giving back as a volunteer fireman in the Town of Vandenbroek. Jim was a devoted Packer fan whose enthusiasm for the team lit up every Sunday, especially as he “coached” from his favorite recliner. Jim was known as a true handy man—if something couldn’t be fixed by Jim, it simply couldn’t be fixed. He was also legendary among family and friends for his sweet tooth, never passing up a cookie and often found with a favorite treat in hand. Above all, Jim treasured his family, finding joy with his grandchildren, children, and wife.

Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy. His children, Ben (Katie) Van Groll, Rob (Melissa Hackl) Van Groll, and Barbara (Glen) Gonnering; his stepdaughter, Kat (Yates) VandenHeuvel; and his grandchildren, Kiara, Brady, and Emma Van Groll, Lauren, Hannah, and Mason Gonnering, and Luke and Jack VandenHeuvel. He is also survived by his brother, Roger (Beth) Van Groll; his sister, Janice Schumacker; and brothers- and sisters-in-law: Wally Squier, LeaAnn Van Groll, Sandy (Gene) Verhagen, Joe (Connie) Lettau, Mike Lettau, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings and siblings-in-law: Norb and Dennis Van Groll, LaVerne Squier, and Al Schumacker.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Verkuilen Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 101 Canal St., Little Chute. Additional visitation will be held at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 411 Vandenbroek St., Little Chute, on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The funeral Mass for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m.

For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.  In lieu a flowers a memorial is being established. 

The family would like to thank the first responders and all those who helped the family during this difficult time.  May we all find in comfort in Dad’s consistent and final message, “I’m fine.”