Orpha DeGroot, 95, of Sioux Falls passed away on Nov. 28th at Ava's Hospice House. Funeral Services will be Saturday Dec. 7th at 10 am at First Church of God in Marion. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 pm in the church fellowship hall.
Orpha was born on September 14th, 1929 to Wilhelm and Lydia (Graff) Goossen. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1947, and then attended Eastern Normal School, now named Dakota State University to attain her Teaching Certificate. She then taught school for one year in the Monroe area.
On May 29, 1949 Orpha married Harold DeGroot. Together they raised three children. Orpha was always ready to help Harold in raising the children and to secure their futures financially. Through out her lifetime she worked several different jobs including the Ortman Cafe in Canistota and also helping with work on the farm.
In 1959 the family moved to Sioux Falls. She began working at Sunshine Foods and began a 40-year career there. Orpha enjoyed being around and working with the customers who came to the store to shop. She then transitioned to work at HyVee, retiring when Harold became ill and then dedicated her time to stay at home and care for him. Orpha also helped Harold in his business H & O Tilling and Snow Removal.
Orpha was always actively engaged in her children’s lives. She was also always ready to help others. Orpha loved it when her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren came to visit. She would give the “Little Ones”, as she called them, something for Christmas. Even if it was a little flashlight, she loved to see the smiles on their faces. Older children and friends were welcome to stay in her basement apartment. Whether they were college students needing a place to call home or someone in transition between more permanent residences, she welcomed them. Orpha enjoyed her time with her family During the last few years traveling and visiting with her family was especially meaningful.
Orpha was a faithful member of First Church of God in Marion until health issues prevented her from attending. However, she was able to live on her own until the last two months of her life before she was hospitalized and the transition to Ava’s Hospice Care for her last month.
Orpha is survived by her children; Phyllis Baurle of Freeman, Roger (Diane) DeGroot of Brookings, and Marcia (Allan) of Madison. A brother Walter (Jeanette) Goossen of Monroe, a dear friend Glenda Jones of Sioux Falls, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and many more relatives and friends.
Preceding her in death is her husband; Harold, parents; Wilhelm and Lydia Goossen, two sisters; Ruth Vogel and Dena Weeldryer, and son-in-law Chuck Baurle.
Friday, December 6, 2024
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
First Church of God
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
First Church of God
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