Cornelius "Case" John Groot

Cornelius “Case” J. Groot, age 69, passed away at Select Specialty Hospital on February 5, 2022 after a short illness. Case was born in Langedijk, The Netherlands on April 4, 1952 one of nine children born to Andrew & Alice (Ooyevaar) Groot. Immigrating to the United States when Case was four years old, he grew up in the Grand Rapids area.

He graduated in 1972 from Catholic Central High School. Not long after, he began his job with Monarch Hydraulics/Bucher Hydraulics, a career that would span 46 years before retiring. He also spent many years helping his family with their landscaping and snow removal company, where he developed many long lasting friendships.

In the mid 70’s, Case went out with friends to Westgate Bowling. While he was there he saw a cute girl out on the dance floor. Wanting to meet her, he showed off his moves and won her attention. On May 29, 1976, Case was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Rose Pietrzak. Rose would later say, it was Case’s polka moves that caught her attention.

Case had a strong work ethic, but he still took time to be with his family. He enjoyed being outside in the peacefulness of nature. He loved to take his son hunting, and his grandson fishing. He was proud to have a beautiful yard. The teamwork of Case and his granddaughter and their meticulous mowing patterns made for the optimal healthy grass.

There are countless memories at Hess Lake, taking friends and family on the pontoon boat, and relaxing on the water. Case also loved to go hunting for wild mushrooms, especially the Stumpers and Morels. One of his favorite meals included Rose’s pierogi’s that she made with his wild mushrooms.

Case believed in the love of family. He was a quiet soul, until he got to know you, but then he was generous and giving. He had a quiet faith, and a kindness like no other. His will be remembered best as a devoted husband, caring dad, doting grandpa and loving brother and uncle as well as a good friend to all who knew him.

Case is survived by his wife of over 45 years, Rose, his son and daughter-in-law Kevin & Nicky Groot; his grandchildren Felicia & Xavier Groot; his faithful canine Memme; his siblings: Alice (John) Rikans, Nick (Sally) Groot, Agnes Schoen, Jane (Paul) Esch, John (Gary) Groot, Linda Kaminski, Mary (Ken) Kieras and Elizabeth Groot; and his sister-in-law Helene Terry as well as many other relatives.

Case was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law Tim Schoen and Jim Terry.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday February 10, 2022 at 12:00 noon at St. Jude Catholic Church where the family will received guest for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery on Friday February 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Grand Rapids Police Foundation to assist in providing our K9 Officers safety equipment and training. https://www.grpolicefoundation.com/support-giving