Duane Dean Groen

Duane Dean Groen, 67, long-time Southern California resident, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on the morning of August 22, 2013. He was 67 years old. Duane Groen was a self-made man, a contractor and a landscaper, who owned his own business his entire life.

He is survived by his wife Marguerite Groen, two sons, Darriell and Donavon and two daughters, Juanita and Renae, and step-children, Michael, Ruthie, Michelle and Matthew, as well as his daughter-in-laws, Inez and Rose, and eleven beautiful grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and scores of relatives and friends.

Mr. Groen was born in South Dakota on April 18, 1946. He was a family man with a big passion for the outdoors. He took his family on many an adventure, camping and water skiing on many of the United States' Southwest lakes and rivers. Mr. Groen was an excellent water skier, often skiing barefoot and performing daredevil tricks to the delight of his young children.

Mr. Groen's passion for the outdoors carried over to his landscaping business, which typically involved large government contracts, beautifying freeways, highways, walkways, city walks and the like. And, he occasionally did smaller consulting jobs for family and friends, where he will be forever remembered every time pumpkins are harvested from the pumpkin patch and beans, basil or peppers are picked from the garden; every time we sit down around the fire pit he installed, on the patio he poured or grill on the barbeque he built; and every time we sit in the shade of one of the many beautiful trees he planted, surrounded by the sweet smell of a multitude of roses.

Duane Dean Groen always had a ready smile, a twinkle in his eye, a generous spirit and a kind word. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at First Christian Reform Church, 17603 Ardmore Avenue, Bellflower, California 90706. Immediately prior to the service, commencing at 9:30 a.m., a viewing will be held for family and friends. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina, CA 91724. Following the interment, family be willing be receiving visitors at the home of Mr. Groen's eldest son, Darrell.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Duane Dean Groen to City of Hope, 1055 Wilshire Blvd. #1200, Los Angeles, CA 90017.