Obituary of Fay Groen

Marguerite Fay (Meehlhause) Groen, the third daughter of Rudolph and Anna Elizabeth (Werner) Meehlhause was born on April 28, 1924 on a farm six miles northwest of Hartley, IA. The family moved into the town of Hartley in 1929. Fay received her education at the Hartley Public School, graduating with the class of 1941. Following graduation, she worked at the Park Hotel and Kaplan's Food Store in Hartley, then relocated to Los Angeles, CA in 1943, working in a defense plant. On February 16, 1945, Fay was united in marriage to Leo E. Groen at Worthington, MN. To this union were born five children: Sandra, Kenneth, Donna, Alan, and Kevin. The family made their home in Hartley where Fay was employed at Red's Café and the Hartley Creamery for many years. While busy raising her family, Fay also assisted Leo at the Halfway House in Sioux City. She also participated in many volunteer activities giving of her time and talent. While living in Sheldon, Fay kept books for the Sioux City Journal distributorship. She and Leo became snowbirds from 1970 until 1996, soaking up the warm Arizona climate during the cold Iowa winters. Fay worked as a receptionist for various trailer parks while they were there. Leo and Fay also enjoyed taking trips on their motorcycle, whether it was for an hour or several days. They were fortunate to have traveled most of the lower 48 states. Fay took great pleasure in tending her flower beds and big garden. Over the years, she canned hundreds of quarts of vegetables and fruits for her family. She also loved doing handwork; needlework and crochet, and gave as gifts many afghans, stocking caps and mittens. Her grandchildren especially treasure the tea towels she embroidered for them. She was an excellent cook; there was always something good to eat at her house! The grandchildren looked forward to her peach pies and warm coffeecakes. Fay enjoyed doing things for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for she loved each of them dearly. She was a long-time member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Hartley and belonged to the Dorcas Society. Fay passed from this life on Friday, October 23, 2015 at the age of 91. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Leo in 2007; one grandson, Michael Nelson in 1986; and one sister, Luella Reinke. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Sandra Kay (Donald) Nelson of Hartley, IA, Kenneth Lee (Cynthia) Groen of Hartley, IA, Donna Faye (Bradley) Thorn of Sutherland, IA, Alan Earl (Garland) Groen of Johnston, IA, and Kevin Dale (Marcia) Groen of Hartley, IA; grandchildren: Bryan Nelson, Brenda Roberts, Lori Smith, Shelly Groen-Oehm and Chad Groen, Jennifer Stern, Danielle Welsh, Brent, Jason, and Jeffrey Thorn, Eric, Alex, and Blake Groen, Shaun Groen, and Shelby Kruse; 33 great grandchildren; 13 great great grandchildren; two sisters: Irene Voss of Sheldon, IA, Betty Rembe of Primghar, IA; sisters-in-law: Lucille Quist, and Ioan Lubinzski; many nieces, nephews and friends. Celebration of Life Fay Groen Born ~ April 28, 1924 Died ~ October 23, 2015 Age ~ 91 years 5 months 25 days Memorial Service Tuesday, October 27, 2015 ~ 11:00 a.m. Trinity United Church of Christ Hartley, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Jeff Filkins Organist ~ Julie Back Musical Tribute Rev. Jeff Filkins "How Great Thou Art" Congregational Singing Processional ~ "The Old Rugged Cross" Recessional ~ "In the Garden" Honorary Pallbearers Grandchildren ~ Great-Grandchildren Ushers Merlyn Feddersen ~ Dennis Wacker Burial Pleasant View Cemetery Hartley, Iowa