Steven "Archie" Groon
March 24, 2016
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Service Details
Steven Groon passed away March 24, 2016. He was born March 16, 1957, in Hawarden, Iowa, to Betty and Gerald Groon, Sr.
Archie retired from the Army National Guard in 2014 after 34 years of service. He was a mentor to many, and was an honorable, well-loved man. During his time in the service, he received numerous awards.
Archie had a passion for learning and was currently working on obtaining his Master’s Degree. One thing he will be remembered by was his sweet tooth and endless desire for dessert.
Archie is survived by his siblings, Jan Cox of Mission Viejo, CA, Sandy Groon of Big Bear Lake, CA, Gloria (Ron) Siemers of Buffalo, MN, Jerry (Brenda) Groon, Kevin (Paulette) Groon, and Connie (Tom) Tentinger all of Akron, IA; love of his life and newlywed, Heather, who tied the knot on March 17, 2016; as well as his many nieces and nephews, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Roger, Ed, and Rod.
Funeral services for Archie will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 1, 2016, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 517 SW Des Moines Street in Ankeny. Visitation will be held Thursday evening at the church from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Burial with full military honors will be held after the service on Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.
Memorial contributions will be received by the family and later directed to a charity close to his heart.
“The Lord gave me another day, I’ll always look for the good.”
Online condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Bart Sivill
04/01/2016
I was very sad to hear that Steve had passed away and my sympathty goes out to his family. I had the priveledge to
get to know Steve through work and he became a great friend. Steve honorably served his country through his many years of
service in the Army, but also proudly served his community as a councilman and police officer. I will always remember
Steve as a very kind, generous, and fun person with a passion for travel and adventure (even tornado chasing).
The world has lost a wonderful person. RIP my good friend!
Teresa (Hansen) Dodson
03/31/2016
Steve will be missed by many freinds, family, and classmates from the class of 1975. He was kind to everyone and liked by all. I have fond memories of Steve during high school. I pray your good memories will sustain you through this difficult time. Please accept my condolences.
Ronald Jones
03/30/2016
Please accept my condolences, and I pray that the Lord provide peace and comfort to the family in their time of sorrow. R.I.P.
Pat Coyle
03/30/2016
Steve was truly the best person I have ever met. We were blessed to be very close to Steve and I consider him a brother. He has had a huge influence on not only my life but my three boys as well. Steve lived his life the way Jesus wants us all to live. He never had any children but he made me a better father. He always saw the best in everyone, no matter what. And now he has showed me how to die with grace and dignity. I loved Steve Groon and will miss him greatly.
Bentley Graves
03/30/2016
Seeing the news this evening of Steve Groon's passing hit me like a ton a bricks. I had the distinct privilege of working with Steve when I worked in the office of Rep Steve King. I was an extreme newbie to military and Guard issues, and Steve was a patient and extremely knowledgeable mentor. I know he touched the lives of countless soldiers and civilians like me throughout his life and career. No doubt he'll be missed, but he leaves an incredible legacy. RIP.
Bruce Cornish
03/29/2016
Very sorry to hear this news about Steve. He was a TRUE friend to all that knew him, such a nice guy and never ever had a cross word for anyone. And how could anyone forget that walk for cripes sake, just the thought brings back a smile right! ...SUPER SUPER GUY and he will be missed. RIP my friend.
Lisa Dirksen
03/29/2016
Although I was not fortunate enough to have known Steve in good health, it was an absolute pleasure helping to care for him these past few months. I will remember him forever. Even in his last days, he was a ray of sunshine and quite possibly the most positive person I've ever known. RIP friend. ?
Kevin Eppens
03/29/2016
Please accept my sincere condolences in Steve's passing. He touched the lives of countless Soldiers and was an outstanding leader who set high standards for others to emulate. His service to Iowa and the United States was done with distinction. It was an honor to serve with him and he will truly be missed. Rest in peace.
Kathy Barton
03/29/2016
Truly the most generous and empathetic spirit I have ever known. It's obvious to me, Archie has been promoted. He was a Guardian Angel to many as he walked the earth. Now he's taken his official position as Guardian Angel in Heaven. Thanks for all the laughs and friendship. RIP Arch
Connie & Frank Williams
03/29/2016
Archie's passing is a HUGE loss for all of us in his National Guard family. We can only imagine how hard this is for his biological family. He is one of the hardest working, kindest, most giving people we have ever met. He would work his fingers to the bone for each and every Soldier he encountered. Never concerned with his own desires, feelings, or tiredness....he wouldn't quit until the job was done. His kind heart, his never-ending smile, and his desire to do the right thing and help as many people as possible are the qualities that we will never forget about Archie. Rest in peace my friend. We will see you on the other side.
Brad and Maureen Theeler
03/28/2016
We express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Steve. We have gotten to know so many of you and know how hard it is to lose someone you love. Steve was one of the nicest men we have ever met (just like Rod). May he rest in peace!
Orinda Swoyer Steeneck
03/28/2016
So sorry to hear of Steve's illness and death. He was a great guy. He will be missed by many. I have many memories of him during high school. He was such a fun person to be around. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
JoLynn Black
03/28/2016
To Steve's family: So sorry for your loss. Steve was a wonderful, caring, loving person and will be greatly missed by all. My prayers and thoughts go out to all his family. I will miss the holidays he spend with us and made them so special.He is in God's loving care.
Cynthia Anderson
03/28/2016
My sincere sympathy to all of Steve's family. I always remember ...a very nice guy, with an easy smile! Wishing Steve & all his family, God's Peace....
Todd Jacobus
03/28/2016
Very saddened to hear of the passing of Master Sergeant Steve Groon. I only knew Steve since 2006, when we worked together in the Iowa Army National Guard Recruiting & Retention Battalion. Since that time, I found him to be the most giving person I have ever met. He cared about each Soldier as if they were his own flesh and blood. He emulated the Non-Commissioned Officer Creed as well as any professional with whom I've worked. Archie's passing is an example of how unfair life is - so unfair to take someone as giving as he. I will always remember this great example of a human being, and will ensure that part of him lives on in the way I live my life, and the way I treat others. RIP, Archie.