FELIX H. DEGROOT

FELIX H. DEGROOT

     Felix H. DeGroot, 95, passed away peacefully at his home Sept. 5, 2023. He was born to Harry and Olga DeGroot in the residence above the Granton Cheese Factory Aug. 23, 1928. His family moved to the Hixton area in his younger years and he graduated from Lincoln High School, Alma Center, in 1946. He went on to farm in the Northfield area and then in Garden Valley. He was an assessor for several townships around the Alma Center area for several years.

     In the spring of 1951, he met Betty Van Treek and from their first date he knew she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Felix and Betty were married July 14, 1951 and together they raised their four children. In their spare time, they traveled to Polka festivals where they loved to dance the nights away.

     In May of 1992, his beloved Betty passed away. Two years later, he met and married JoAnne (Sladek) Newmier. They moved to Marshfield, WI. Together, they enjoyed traveling, family get-togethers and dancing. When Joanne passed away in September 2015, Felix moved to Eau Claire. Felix enjoyed being with his family, going to dances, playing cards, deer hunting at the family farm and watching the Brewers and the Packers.  

     Felix is survived by his brother, Edward DeGroot, Henderson, NV; his four children, James (Debbie) DeGroot of Plymouth, WI, Felix “Ray” (Debbie) DeGroot of Black River Falls, WI, Valerie Bowman of La Crosse, WI, and Virginia (Tim) Tomsen of Eleva, WI; his 15 grandchildren, Jeff, Denise, Daniel, Carl, Cathie, Jennie, Scott, David, Sarah, Lisa, Susanna, Joseph, Michael, Leah and Noelle, along with 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grand- children and nieces and nephews. 

     Preceding him in death are his parents, two wives, one sister, three brothers and one great-grandson.

     Funeral service for Felix took place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at Hulke Family Funeral Home. Visitation took place at the funeral home on that day from 12 p.m. (noon) until the time of service. Burial took place at 2:30 p.m. on that day in the Fairchild Cemetery.

     Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.           Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 assisted the family with the arrangements.