Theo Catharinus Johan Grootendorst

Theo Catharinus Johan Grootendorst, 85, of St. Joseph, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2009 after a nine-year long, but dignified, struggle with Alzheimer’s. Theo was born February 22, 1924 in Boskoop, the Netherlands to Klaas and Wilhelmina (van der Spek) Grootendorst. Theo earned a degree in Merchant Marine Navigation as well as a degree in Horticulture. On September 20,1950 he married Catherine (To) Driesprong. Theo is survived by his wife of 58 years, Catherine (To), of St. Joseph; two sons Jon A. Grootendorst and his wife Michelle, of Chicago and Peter Th. Grootendorst of Baroda; one grandchild Isabella; two sisters Sophie Boer and Jo v. d. Bosch; two brothers Walther Grootendorst and Dick Jan Grootendorst all from the Netherlands. In addition to his parents, Theo was preceded in death by one brother Piet Grootendorst; and one sister Greta Smit. Theo’s life accomplishments were many. During World War II, he was a member of the Dutch Underground Forces resisting the Nazi occupation of Holland. Later, Theo sailed for the Dutch Merchant Marine. In 1954, Theo and Catherine immigrated to the United States where together they started, owned and operated Grootendorst Nurseries and Southmeadow Fruit Gardens in Lakeside, Theo was a charter member of the International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association and a long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Lakeside and Saint Joseph. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 A.M. Thursday, May 14, 2009 at St. Joseph United Methodist Church, 3003 Leco Ct., St. Joseph. Friends may call starting at 10:30 A.M. at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jasper Against Batten Fund. Jasper is a wonderful 4-year old Dutch boy living in Chicago who is in desperate need of an expensive treatment to save his life. Theo and Jasper spent Christmas together in 2008 when Theo served as Jasper’s surrogate Opa (Dutch for grandpa). www.JasperAgainstBatten.org or 151 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 2119, Chicago, IL 60601. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book may do so on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com.