Iran Kenneth Groeneveld, died Sunday, Jan. 12, at the age of 91.
He was the eldest child of Albert and Catherine Groeneveld.
Ken graduated from Wayland High School. He served his country in the United States Army and was a tool and die journeyman for the General Motors Grand Rapids Metal Fab plant for 42 years.
He taught Sunday School, performed the duties of deacon and Sunday School Superintendent for Moline Baptist Church while his family grew up. In his later years, he was a faithful member of Calvary Church of Wayland.
During his retirement years he volunteered for Wycliff Associates of Orlando for 14 years. He worked as a large equipment operator during the construction of the Wycliff Bible Translators Orlando headquarters.
Ken later worked as a carpenter in support of those who translate the Bible, making the Bible accessible to people of all languages.
He took pride in attending his youngest granddaughter’s wedding this past summer.
Ken is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marie Jean (Jane); children, Patricia (Larry Lambregtse), Kenneth (Phyllis), Jerold (Wendy), Daniel (Jennifer), 19 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Arnold (Marlene) Groeneveld, sisters, Lois (Ron) Zartman, Mary (Bruce) Bendull; and brother-in-law, Bob Tuttle.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Lee; and sister, Grace Tuttle.
A memorial service will be held at Calvary Church of Wayland, 304 S. Main St., at 11.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, with Pastor William Brew officiating. A family graveside service is planned at the Winchester Cemetery in the spring.