"I worked at Madonna Towers in activities. One of my highlights was visiting with Gynith. She is such an inspiration. She was a very special lady. I can't say enough good things about her. She was wonderful. She will be deeply missed."
In loving memory of
Gynith Crystella Groteboer
January 30, 1911 - March 19, 2011
ROCHESTER, MINN: The Lord welcomed his loving daughter, Gynith C. Groteboer, 100, of Rochester, into His loving arms March 19, 2011 at Madonna Towers Nursing Home. Gynith was born January 30, 1911 in Spring Grove, MN to Oscar and Betsey Erickson. She married Paul Groteboer of Harmony, MN and they farmed near Cresco, IA until they moved to Rochester in 1957. Gynith spent many years in retail sales working for Woolworth's for 1 year, JC Penney for 3 years, and finally for Donaldson's for 17 years. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church for over 54 years. Gynith dedicated her life to being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. She so much loved visits from all her family members.Gynith is survived by her daughters, Beverly Katter of Milwaukee, WI and Marlys (Ken) Kramer of Stewartville; sons, Merl (Marilyn), Dennis (Marcy) and daughter-in-law, Jan Groteboer all of Rochester; 13 grandchildren, Vince, Eric, Jon, Jodi, Steve, Joe, Paul, Brian, Dan, Debbie, Darren, David, and Greg; 18 great-grandchildren. Erwan, Chesiree, Anna, Nick, Laura, Kelsey, Rayna, Emily, Jake, Ben, Bethany, Jessica, Darin, Nicolle, Joshua, Andrea, Alexis, and Sydney; great, great-granddaughter, Kinley and many nieces and nephews . Gynith was preceded in death by her loving husband, Paul; son, John Gary; son-in-law, Dennis Katter; sisters, Odis and Bernice and brothers, Earl and Orris. Funeral services will be held 11:00am Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at Christ United Methodist Church 400 5th Ave. SW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 pm Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at church on Wednesday. The Reverend Nancy Wheeler Handlon will be officiating with interment at Oakwood Cemetery. A special thank you to the staff at Madonna Towers for their kind and compassionate care over the past several years. Memorial contributions may be made to Madonna Towers 4001 19th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN 55901, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation 1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901 or to the charity of donor's choice.
Tributes
"My heart goes out to my extended family - The Groteboer'sWhat a wonderful person Gynith was! She was always so kind and enjoyable to be around. Though it is always hard to say good bye - we know that at 100 years old she had a wonderful and fullfilling life with family and friends.Prayers and hugs to you!Ted, Rebecca, Lilly and Johnathan Phillips"