It is with gratitude for a life well-lived and a man much loved that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and great-grand father, JAKE GROENENBOOM at St. Therese Villa on October 31, 2019 at the age of 88 years.

Jake is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Betsie. He will be lovingly remembered by his five children: Martha (Rick) Johnson, Barb (Jim) McDonald, Rob (Linda) Groenenboom, Don (Elaine) Groenenboom and Sue (Mark) Wobick. He will also be dearly missed by his 13 grandchildren: Blake (Sarah), Brett (Michelle); Scott (Stephanie), Mike, Tyson; Nicole (Cory), Megan (Chris), Taylor (Hannah); Jed, Emily, Haley; Brynn and Carter, as well as his six great-grandchildren.

Jake was born on May 7, 1931 in Barendrecht, Netherlands. He was the eldest of 12 children who—along with their parents—immigrated to Canada in 1952. After working on several southern Alberta farms, the Groenenboom family was able to purchase their own farm in the Park Lake area.  

Shortly after, Jake met the love of his life, Betsie. They married on August 27, 1960 and purchased their own farm west of Park Lake. In 1972, Jake & Betsie and their family moved to the farm west of Nobleford where they remained until 2009. Jake was a farmer, drywaller and later on in life pursued his true passion as a buyer in the cattle industry. Jake’s favorite hobby was his garden—he grew enough vegetables to feed his own family as well as a small village. He loved to sit out on a chair and watch his garden grow. With Jake’s gradual decline in health, they made the decision to move to Lethbridge. Jake was moved to St. Therese Villa in 2013 where he was lovingly cared for until his passing.

Jake could always be found seated in the front row of the many auction marts he attended. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, travelling, playing cards, and sitting in the backyard barbecuing that always perfect steak. Jake was very proud of his family and loved spending time with them. His grandchildren always put a big smile on his face.

Jake is also survived by his brother, Dan (Riet) Groenenboom, his sisters Jean deKreek, Henny Wiskerke, Ria (Joe) Fedyniak, Janny (Keith) Nugent, Truus Bolokoski, Cobie (Andrew) Oosterbroek, and Mieke (Bob) Rice, his sisters-in-law Margaret, Betty and Leny Groenenboom.

He was predeceased by his parents Huib and Marie Groenenboom, in-laws Marinus and Christina Wiskerke, his brothers Bas, Joe, and Huib Groenenboom, his brother-in-laws Marvin Bolokoski, Ad deKreek, Huib Wiskerke, and Casey Wiskerke.

A Funeral Service will be held at ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1818 – 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 12:00 Noon.

Prior to the Funeral Service, Jake will be laid to rest during a Private Interment in Mountain View Cemetery.

In honour of Jake, memorial donations may be made to St. Therese Villa – Covenant Health (253 Southgate Blvd. South, Lethbridge, AB T1K 2S1).

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2019-10-31
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta