Francis Groeneweg

FRANCIS WILLARD GROENEWEG was born July 26, 1919 to John and Louise (Cox) Groeneweg in Rock Lake Township, rural Balaton, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school which was located on the farm property. He graduated from Balaton High School in 1937. He then returned home to help work on the farm. Francis met Esther (Stensgaard) while attending the Tyler Alliance Church. She was a pianist there and he had never heard such beautiful piano playing. The couple was united in marriage on March 14, 1945 at the Tyler Alliance Church. Their union was blessed with three sons – Dale, Dennis, John, and 65 years of marriage together. The couple made their home, raised their family, and farmed west of Balaton, Minnesota. Francis served for 35 years on the Balaton School Board and several years on the Township Board. Francis had a love for farming the land and his livestock. “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal… he who works the land will have abundant food…” Proverbs 12:10-11. “That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in his toil – this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:13b. Francis will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and man of faith. In 2010, Francis moved from the farm to Danebod Village in Tyler when Esther entered Sunrise Manor Nursing Home. Esther died November 11, 2010 and Francis continued to live at Danebod Village. In February of 2013, he moved in with John and Sybil for 2 months. After a brief illness, he died at Tyler Healthcare Center on April 23, 2013 at the age of 93 years, 8 months, and 27 days.

Francis was a long time member of the Tyler Alliance Church. He was active and served faithfully in the life of the congregation. He loved God’s word, the bible, and had a special interest in the end time prophecies. He enjoyed his life work of farming, playing violin, listening to classical music, and spending time with his beloved family.

Francis will be lovingly remembered by his three sons, Dale (and Wanetta) Groeneweg of Quito, Ecuador, Dennis (and Rene) Groeneweg of Belgrade, Montana, and John (and Sybil) Groeneweg of Arco, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Luke Groeneweg of St. Paul, Minnesota, Loren (and Janelle) Groeneweg of Quito, Ecuador, Scott (and Michelle) Groeneweg of Woodbury, Minnesota, Tammi (and Brian) Daum of Belgrade, Montana, Michael (and Gina) Groeneweg of Fargo, North Dakota, Brian Groeneweg of Sioux Center, Iowa, and Jonathan (and Laura) Groeneweg of Spring Lake Park, Minnesota; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lois (and Chester) Knutson of Huron, South Dakota, and Ruth (and Fred) Abigt of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther; parents, John and Louise; great grandson, Matthew Loren Groeneweg; siblings, Isaac, Chester, Robert, Richard, and a baby sister – Roberta.

Blessed be his memory!