Gene L. Groen

Gene L. Groen, age 81 of Rock Rapids, IA passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at his residence in Rock Rapids, IA.

A public visitation will be held Thursday, July 24th from 4 to 8 PM with the family present from 6 to 8 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.

A funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Friday, July 25th at Emmanuel First United Presbyterian Church, south of Rushmore, MN, with Pastor Bryan Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Emmanuel First United Presbyterian Cemetery in Rushmore, MN.

Gene Leroy Groen was born on August 12, 1943, to George & Arlene (Heikes) Groen. He was raised on the family farm northeast of Rock Rapids and attended a nearby country school before graduating from Central Lyon High School in 1961. He continued his education at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA, and later earned his degree from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. Gene also attended seminary in Holland, MI, and Sioux Falls, SD.

Gene married Marilyn DeBuhr on August 11, 1966, and together they raised five children: Sally, DeAnn, Genna, Gregg, and Geoff. Though they later went their separate ways, they shared many meaningful years as a family. Later in life, Gene was married to Shari Tastad for several years.

Gene spent most of his years farming alongside his father on the family farm. He also spent time driving semi-truck and enjoyed his trips hauling cattle from Montana, especially in the fall. For a short time, Gene was also a pastor at Emmanuel First United Presbyterian Church near Rushmore, MN.

Gene was an avid reader, and he enjoyed reading and studying the Bible. He loved sports, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and he especially had a passion for fast pitch softball. He cherished the life-long friendships and memories he gained while playing for the Ellsworth Town team and umpiring softball games. He also enjoyed coaching and spent many years coaching basketball and softball.

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Gene died unexpectedly at his home residence in Rock Rapids, IA, at the age of 81.

Gene is survived by his five kids and their families. Sally and John Fastert of Rock Rapids, IA (Shelby and Austin Hayenga — Parker, Levi, and Kaden; Sierra Fastert and fiancé Levi Horstman; Sadie and Joshua Manning; and Jarrett Fastert), DeAnn and Dan Morton of Winthrop, MN (Dayne, Donnae, and Drayden), Genna and Nathan Rath of Rock Rapids, IA (Bentley), Gregg and Stephanie Groen of Cedar Falls, IA (Aynsley, Greysen, and Addistyn), and Geoff Groen of Rock Rapids, IA. He is also survived by two aunts, Millie Lais and Ruth Wiertzema.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Arlene Groen, and his infant brother, Alan Groen.