Jeanette DeGroot

DEGROOT, JEANETTE

Jeanette DeGroot, of Appleton, age 80 years, died peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 after a courageous battle with ALS. She was born on October 14, 1928 in Niagara, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Eugene and Ada (Amond) Pilon. On February 14, 1950, Jeanette married Clayton DeGroot in Niagara. She has lived in Appleton most of her adult life. Jeanette was a charter member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and worked for the parish for 26 years before her retirement. She was one of the first organists at Rainbow Gardens. Jeanette enjoyed playing many instruments and listening to music. Many will remember her by her needlework designs and the smell of baked bread in her home. Most of all, her family meant the world to her. She was a wonderful combination of strength, grace, stubbornness and love.

She is survived by her loving husband: Clayton DeGroot; her children: Steve (Donna) DeGroot, Gillett; Jill Karras, Seattle, WA; Glen (Dana) DeGroot, Greenville; Elaine (Jeff) Zak, Appleton; Paul (Norma) DeGroot, Appleton and Patrick (Suzy) DeGroot, Shiocton; grandchildren: Jesse (Tracy Ho) Karras; Michelle and Shawn Zak; Lindsay and Michael DeGroot; Eric DeGroot Schriter; brothers: David (Phyllis) Pilon, Sheboygan; Jim Pilon, Niagara; Ray (Janis) Pilon, Niagara; sisters: Audrey Zanon, Beaver Dam; Cleo (Jack) Graff, Beaver Dam; Mary (Glenn) Bierstaker, Waupaca; Carol (Hank) Westberg, Pound and Nancy (Dave) Reichardt, Pound; sisters-in-law: Evelyn Dolan, Kaukauna; Leone Berg, Pleasanton, CA and Helen DeGroot, Appleton and a brother-in-law: Carlton Berg, Town of Menasha. Jeanette is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parent and her sister, Beatrice Seidel.

The memorial liturgy for Jeanette will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 7, 2008 at ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1810 N. McDonald St., Appleton. Fr. Gerald Falk will be presiding. Inurnment will take place at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. The family will receive family and friends at the church on Friday from 9:00 am until the time of mass. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Jeanette's family would like to thank the Appleton Valley VNA, ThedaCare at Home Hospice, Dr. Stephen Dernlan and his wonderful staff. Special thanks to Eleanor Farrell for the special care given to Jeanette.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920)739-1231