Ronald VanGroningen

September 2, 1939 – October 26, 2026

A life of faith, a legacy of love

Ronald Thomas VanGroningen went home to be with the Lord on October 26, 2026, at the age of 87. He lived a life marked by steadfast faith, abundant generosity, and extraordinary love for his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Ron made the people around him feel known, encouraged, and deeply loved. He is remembered for his deep kindness, his sense of humor and his attentive presence. He has always been a source of comfort and strength to all who know him.

Born in Hanford, California, on September 2, 1939, to Casey and Lyda VanGroningen, Ron grew up alongside his brother, Robert, surrounded by a loving extended family. His childhood was rooted in church, Dutch heritage and traditions, and the warmth of his mother’s cooking and baking. He graduated from Hanford High School in 1957 and served in the United States Air Force as a medical corpsman, with assignments in Texas, Alabama, and later in California. He received an honorable discharge to return home and care for his mother—a reflection of the devotion to family that would characterize his life.

At seventeen, while working in a hardware store during Easter break, Ron met the young woman who would become the love of his life. Verna Maxine Hart walked into the store, and he was captivated. As she left, he stood at the door watching her go. When she glanced back over her shoulder to see whether he was still looking, their eyes met. Ron knew she was the “one”.

That summer, their first date was a trip to the theater to see Cinderella. That night, Ron went home and told his mother he wanted to marry Verna. Cinderella became a fitting beginning to their own love story, because for Verna, Ron would always be her Prince Charming.

After his military service, Ron attended Biola University with Verna. They married on June 17, 1961, at First Baptist Church in Watsonville, California, and honeymooned at Hoberg’s Resort in Cobb. Their first home was in Santa Cruz while Ron continued his education. In January 1963, they moved to San Jose, where they built their life together. In 1970, they purchased the home they would share for the rest of his life—a place filled with decades of family memories.

Ron graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in biochemistry and began a distinguished career in the medical field. In 1966 he began working at the Veterans Administration hospital in Palo Alto, where he served for forty one years as Chief Biochemist and Laboratory Director. His knowledge of medicine and science was also a gift to his family. Through medical questions and difficult decisions, he offered thoughtful guidance, reassurance, and care.

Ron and Verna welcomed two daughters, Kimberly Renee in 1965 and Michelle Deanne in 1967. Raising their daughters and sharing life with their five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren brought them profound joy. Family reunions, vacations, world travel, and numerous cruises filled their years with adventure, laughter, and treasured time together.

Faith was the foundation of Ron’s life. He wanted those around him to know God’s love and experience what it meant to be led by His Spirit. Prayer, Bible study, and reading Scripture were daily practices, both personally and alongside Verna. He served in many areas at First Baptist Church, later Church on the Hill, the church he and Verna attended for 56 years together: Sunday School Teacher, Growth Group Leader, Men’s Fellowship, and also on the Board of Deacons for many years, and chairman from 1977 to 1989. His favorite Scripture was Isaiah 40:31, and his favorite hymn was “How Great Thou Art.”

Known as “Opa” not only by his family but also by extended family who embraced him as their own, Ron lived his faith through his attentiveness to others. Humble, generous, and a man of integrity, he listened carefully and gave the person in front of him his full attention. He was an encourager, a hard worker, and a steady presence. He cared tenderly for his mother and his in-laws, embodying a servant’s heart.

He also knew how to have fun. An avid Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams fan, Ron could often be found wearing a favorite team’s T-shirt or hat. He also played the drums and marimba , and his wonderful sense of humor delighted those who knew him. His family learned to expect the unexpected from his costumes and practical jokes. And every December he could be found dressed up as Santa spreading Christmas cheer.

Above all, Ron was freely affectionate. Through hugs, words of affirmation, and everyday acts of care, he made sure his family knew how much he loved them.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Casey; mother, Lyda; his brother, Robert; and his beloved daughter, Kimberly. He is survived by his adored wife, Verna; his daughter, Michelle; his grandchildren, Nicole, Ashley, Chantel, Cambria, and Brendon; and his great-grandchildren, Samara, Mariah, Micah, Kaison, Keira, Sayla, Carter, Terah, and Callum.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on November 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Church on the Hill in San Jose, California.

His family rejoices in the promise of heaven even as they grieve his absence. His love, laughter, kindness, and faithful devotion to Jesus will continue to shape the generations that follow him.