Henry Van Groningen passed away on December 2, 2014 surrounded by his family.  He was born in Hanford, California on July 19, 1927 to Hendrik and Jennie Van Groningen.  At two years of age the family moved to Ripon, CA where he resided for the rest of his life.
   Henry is survived by his wife of 66 years Leona (Roos) and their six children: Mark (Deb) and their children Eric (Kelly), Renee (Adam) Partridge, Andrea (Jon) Meek; Dale (Patti) and their sons Tommy, Matt, and Joshua; Kent (Arlys) and their children Michael (Alyson), Philip, and Jennifer (Dan) Gudmunson; Cindy Hoeksema (Mark) and their children Amy, Megan, Tim, Emily, and Molly; Jeff (Judy) and their children Kathryn, Ross, Adrianna, and Madelyn; and Chris (Laurie) and their children Lukas, Joel, Julia, and Vincent.  He had nine great-grandchildren with two expected next spring.
   Henry was preceded in death by his siblings; Gerard, Alice (Honcoop), Cornelius and Arthur.
   Henry loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ deeply and spent his life in service to him.  He was a member of Zion United Reformed Church in Ripon.  He served as both Deacon and Elder and as a board member of Ripon Christian School and Dordt College.  He also served as a director for the South San Joaquin Irrigation District for 21 years. Henry was a lifelong farmer in the Ripon area.
   Henry enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He also looked forward to weekly bowling with friends and an occasional round of golf.  He loved traveling with Leona and attending conferences in Mount Hermon every summer.
   The family wishes to thank Bethany Home for the wonderful care Henry received the 2 ½ years he resided there.    
  Visitation will be held at Deegan Mortuary in Ripon, on Monday, December 8, from 3 – 6 p.m.  A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, December 9, at 1:30 pm at the Ripon Cemetery.  A Memorial Service will follow at Zion United Reformed Church in Ripon at 4:00 pm.
    Memorial contributions can be made to the Ripon Christian School Foundation, the Bethany Home Foundation, or the charity of your choice.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Friday, December 5, 2014