Gertrude DeGroot

Sheldon formerly of Boyden, Iowa

Gertrude DeGroot, 101, of Sheldon formerly of Boyden passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society in George. Her funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Boyden with Pastor Brian Schafer, officiating.

Burial will be at Sheridan Township Cemetery in Boyden.

Visitation with family present will be from 10 to 10:45 A.M. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Boyden.

IN LOVING MEMORY

GERTRUDE DE GROOT

BORN

August 12, 1924

Rock Valley, Iowa

PASSED AWAY

March 15, 2026

George, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE

11:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Vander Ploeg Funeral Home; Boyden, Iowa

Pastor Brian Schafer - Officiating

MUSIC

“Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” – Ami Andersen

“Be Still My Soul” – Michael W. Smith

HONORARY CASKET BEARER

Dawn De Groot

CASKET BEARERS

Chad Diekevers 

Corey Diekevers

Chris Diekevers

Curtis Diekevers

Greg De Groot 

Scott De Groot

FINAL RESTING PLACE

Sheridan Township Cemetery

Boyden, Iowa

After today’s graveside service, relatives and friends are invited to join the family at the DEMCO Community Building.

Arrangements are under the care of the

Vander Ploeg Funeral Home; Boyden, Iowa.

Gertrude DeGroot

Gertrude De Groot, the daughter of John and Jessie (Kooima) Meendering was born on August 12, 1924, in Rock Valley, Iowa. She graduated from Rock Valley High School in 1942. After graduating she attended summer school at Westmar College in LeMars and obtained her teaching certificate. She taught country school for five years. On June 4, 1947, Gert was united in marriage to Thomas De Groot in Rock Valley. The couple moved to the De Groot family farm near Boyden and in 1976, they moved into town. Thomas suddenly passed away on March 7, 1976. Gert remained at home in Boyden until moving to Fieldcrest Assisted Living in 2022. She passed away at Good Samaritan Society in George on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the age of 101 years, 7 months and 3 days.

Gert was an active member of First Reformed Church in Boyden being involved in Bible study, teaching Sunday School and catechism as her faith was very strong. She also enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, crocheting, traveling and especially enjoyed being with family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memories are her three children and their spouses, John and Virginia De Groot of Sheldon, Elaine and Jerry Diekevers of Hospers, and Deanna and Kerry Dahl of George; seven grandchildren, Greg De Groot of Rock Rapids, Scott De Groot of Omaha, Nebraska, Dawn De Groot of Orange City, Iowa, Chad (Emily) Diekevers of Hospers, Corey (Billie) Diekevers of Hospers, Chris (Sarah) Diekevers of Boyden, Curtis (Darci) Diekevers of Urbandale, Iowa; eleven great grandchildren, Brody and Lily De Groot, Slater and Easton Diekevers, Dani (Aaron) Wright, Ella, Colton and Adalyn Diekevers, Ryker, Attleigh, and Dempsen Diekevers; sisters, Jo Mulder, Alberta Hall, and Ruth (Ralph) Hollander; also other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 28 years, Thomas, great granddaughter, Autumn Diekevers, sisters, Fanny DeBoer, Janice Meendering, Jeannetta Meendering, Marian Kroon, brother, Jake Meendering, sisters-in-law, Jan Meendering, Willemina Moss, brothers-in-law, Louis DeBoer, Fred Mulder, Robert Hall, Henry Kroon and Henry Moss.