Frederic Jan Grootendorst

Frederic Jan Grootendorst, 84, of St. Joseph and St. Simon's Island, Georgia passed away peacefully at home after living a long and full life, on April 13, 2010. Please join the family for a Celebration of Life gathering at the St. Joseph River Yacht Club Saturday, April 17, 2010, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Junior Foundation, Sarett Nature Center or to the Donor's Choice. Those wishing to sign the Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Fred was born January 10, 1926 in Benton Harbor, the son of Andrew and Helen Grootendorst. He grew up on Orchard Lane and attended Benton Harbor High school, graduating in 1943. Fred also attended Marquette University and the University of Michigan, graduating with a Master's in business. He served in the US Navy as Lieutenant aboard a LST; he served in Japan and Alaska. While serving in the Navy, Fred married the love of his life, Cynthia Burkholder, on October 4, 1951. They lived their lives together on Ridgeway, enjoying wonderful friends and neighbors. Fred and Cindy enjoyed many wonderful winters on St. Simon's Island, Georgia, where they had a winter home. After service in the Navy, Fred joined his father at AM Grootendorst Inc. bulb and perennial farm. He took over and ran the family business until he retired and sold the business in the 1990's. Fred loved sailing aboard The Cynthia, named after his wife, and racing the Mackinac Race. He enjoyed cruising the North Channel with his wife and friends, in the Boozing, Snoozing, and Cruising Club. Fred also enjoyed leading the annual Ridgeway Fourth of July Parade, where he was known to supply fire-crackers to the neighborhood children. Fred was a garage tinkerer and craftsman with metal and wood, an avid reader and arm chair philosopher. Fred was a man with integrity and honesty, dedicated to family and friends, and lived life his own way; a free-spirit. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Cynthia, who passed away in 2008, a sister Anne Bruns, a stepmother, Ruth Gillespie-Grootendorst and her son Carl Schuett. He is survived by a daughter, Katherine Grootendorst, of St. Simon's Island, Georgia, a son, Andrew (Betty) Grootendorst of Coloma, Michigan, a daughter Susan (David) Hertog, of St. Paul, Minnesota, grandchildren, Alison and Cory Hertog, Elizabeth, Hannah, & Adeline Grootendorst. Fred is also survived by his dedicated companion Brodie, wonderful caregiver Diann, and host of wonderful neighbors.