Richard "Dick" DeGroot

 Richard J. “Dick” DeGroot, age 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on November 2, 2025, after many years of challenging health issues. He was born on October 13, 1946, son of the late John and Mary Ann (Brunner) DeGroot. Dick married Barb Gerrits on May 10, 1969.

Dick worked at Carl Bowers Construction for his entire career as a heavy equipment operator. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and member of Dave’s Musky Club. Dick enjoyed watching sports, but his favorite pastime was watching his grandchildren’s activities. He was known for bringing his famous chocolate chip cookies to the events, and if you were lucky enough to sit by him, you would surely make a new friend. Dick loved his family above all else and he will be deeply missed.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Barb; children: Dawn (Randy) Paltzer, Al (Stacy) DeGroot, Jen (Troy) Baumgart and Eric (Amy) DeGroot; grandchildren: Amber (special friend, Dean) Leitzke, Zach (fiancé, Lexi) Paltzer, Tyler Paltzer, Miranda Paltzer, Chris DeGroot, Alaina DeGroot, Reese Baumgart, Ryker Baumgart, Karlee DeGroot, Kolin DeGroot, Kaiden DeGroot and Kaylee DeGroot; great granddaughter, Jenna Leitzke, and another great grandchild on the way; siblings: Shirley Kreuzer, Sandy (Gary) Resch, Duane (Kay) DeGroot, Lloyd (Toni) DeGroot and Bones (Mary) DeGroot; in-laws: Urb (Gret) Gerrits and Mouse (special friend, Diane) Gerrits; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; grandchildren: Skye and Starr Baumgart; father and mother-in-law, Urban and Selma Gerrits; brothers and sisters-in-law: Tom Kreuzer, Joanne (Lee) Mueller and George (Marian) Gerrits.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 309 Desnoyer Street, Kaukauna. Visitation will be at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

The DeGroot family would like to extend a special thank you to the UW Heart Transplant Team, especially Josh, and to the UW Palliative Care Team for all of the compassionate care given to Dick.