Larry De Groot was born on July 12, 1948, in Grand Rapids, MI, to John and Sally (Woudstra) De Groot. He was raised in Edgerton, MN, where he was a rambunctious boy who loved playing catch with his dad (as a good Christian Reformed kid, a bat was not allowed on Sundays), running around town with his friends, catching pigeons in barns to later sell for a nickel apiece, teasing his sister, and developing his lifelong love of reading. He attended Edgerton Christian and Southwest Christian schools, where he had the unique experience of being the principal’s kid.
After high school, his family moved to Sioux Center, IA, where Larry attended Dordt College and majored in education. When he wasn’t studying, Larry drove a feed truck—delivering feed most afternoons and every Saturday to area farmers. During his time at Dordt, Larry met the love of his life, Helen Slegers. After she asked to borrow his car to go to the movies, Larry decided it would be better if he drove—so he took her on a date instead. Larry and Helen were married on August 22, 1969. After graduating from Dordt, they made their home in Hull, IA.
Larry began his teaching career at Western Christian High School, teaching English and serving as guidance counselor. He later taught for a year at Ontario Christian High School in Ontario, California. After realizing he didn’t enjoy painting or golfing all summer, Larry decided teaching wasn’t his life’s calling and ended his time in the classroom.
He went on to sell steel buildings for Altena Steel in Sioux Falls, SD—many of which still stand today. He ultimately returned to his first love, trucking, at Te Slaa Trucking in Hull. After several years of long-haul driving, Larry sold trucks for Peterbilt in Sioux Falls for a year before moving to the office at Te Slaa in 1990, becoming a dispatcher and helping grow Te Slaa until he purchased his own company, Western Provisions, in 2004.
Larry loved his work in the trucking community, but what he cherished most was sitting next to his two sons, Jon and Jason, every day at Western. A few summers even found his daughter in the office making copies and answering phones. He truly made it a family affair. Larry had a huge heart for his drivers, salespeople, bankers, and everyone he encountered. He treasured the community, the stories, and the connections—and he always made time for conversation. When Larry was around, you felt it. His energy was unforgettable.
For over 40 years, Larry spent every summer in Okoboji, a place he dearly loved. He enjoyed time on the water, long days with friends, and countless hours surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and anyone else who crossed his path at the lake. He was a presence—warm, loud, joyful, and fully alive. Larry also cherished many trips to Cabo San Lucas with Helen, his children, and later his grandchildren.
Larry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was an active member of First CRC in Hull, IA, and, after moving to Sioux Falls, found community again at First CRC in Sioux Falls. His deep faith guided him throughout his life and comforted him until his very last day. He passed that faith on to his children and shared it freely with all who knew him.
Larry is reunited in Heaven with his wife, Helen J. De Groot; his parents, John L. and Sally De Groot; his parents in-law, Hubert and Martha Slegers; his infant son, Michael James De Groot; brothers-in-law George Slegers and Gerard Slegers; and sister-in-law Rita Buys.
He is cherished on earth by his son Jonathan De Groot and his wife, Misty, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and their children, Max Kaarre (fiancé Sidney Schock), Izzy Kaarre, and Lyncoln De Groot; son Jason De Groot and his wife, Abby, of Rock Valley, Iowa, and their children, Harper, Reese, and Jase De Groot; daughter Joni Nikodym and her husband, Adam, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and their children, Henry, Helen, and Harvey Nikodym; sister Helen (Gervin) Bonnema; siblings-in-law, Joan (Dave) De Groot, Thelma (Ron) Coles, Gwenny Slegers, Richard Slegers, Doug (Sandy) Buys, John (Sheryl) Slegers, and Barb (Dan) Ter Horst; and many beloved nephews and nieces.
A Visitation will be held, Monday, March 9, 2026, from 5-7 PM at First Christian Reformed Church, Sioux Falls, SD. A Celebration of Life will be held, 12 PM, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at First Christian Reformed Church, Sioux Falls, SD. A private burial will take place at Hope Cemetery, Hull, Iowa.
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