Cora Gerarda Groenhout's Obituary
Cora Gerarda Groenhout, age 99, passed away January 6 ,2021 of natural causes at Robbinswood Assisted Living.She was a faithful believer and follower of Jesus and was so looking forward to joining her dear husband, Andy, in heaven.
Born in Muskegon on December 4,1921, she was a long time resident of the area. As the eldest of Grace and Zegar Heyblom’s six children, Cora and her siblings did their part to support the family, by working at Home Bakery on Washington Street, a business which her father had purchased in 1947. The family moved to Pig Tail Alley, which is the area of present day Madison Street. It was there that Cora met her husband, Clyde VanArkel. They married, and were blessed with four children. They purchased, and for many years, operated Haven Floral on North Ferry Street. Eventually, the family relocated to Traverse City where they lived and worked for 13 years. Cora worked initially as a bookkeeper, and after that she teamed with Clyde in managing a family business which they had purchased, Campus Christian Supply. After a short move to Arizona, they divorced, and Cora moved back to Grand Haven where she worked for Rycenga Homes. A few years later, she met and married Andy Groenhout. The love and affection between both families was mutual and continued throughout their 39 years of wonderful and happy marriage. Andy passed away on September 21, 2020.
Cora and Andy were longtime members of First Reformed Church of Grand Haven. Way into their 90’s, the couple still took their turn as greeters, welcoming worshipers to Sunday morning services. Cora was also known as the “cookie lady” for the thousands of homemade cookies she baked and brought for coffee hour after the service. She was also a very talented knitter making scores of afghans for children and grandchildren in her extended family. And when she caught up on that effort, she made baby blankets for dozens of new babies born to church members. Cora absolutely loved entertaining her extended family. Among the family’s favorites were her pigs in a blanket, and her delicious potato salad. Like her father, she was an excellent baker! All who loved Cora will cherish her gentle spirit, humble servant’s heart and her love for her family.
She will be dearly missed by her four children: Carol (Jim) Schmidt of Phoenix, AZ, Judy (John) Parsons of Traverse City, James Van Arkel and wife, Nancy Anderson of Twin Lake, Tom (Caryn) Van Arkel of Grand Haven; step-children: Linda (Ed) Cotts, Barbie (Phil) Koeze, Dan (Joan) Groenhout, and Sally (John) Stewart; Cora’s grandchildren: Kelly (Doug) Eaton, Brad Schmidt, Scott (Kerrie) Schmidt, Michael Parsons, Brian Parsons, Torey (Dan) Kittleson, Ashley VanArkel and Shelby VanArkel; ten great-grandchildren and many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Leona Heyblom and brother-in-law, Gordon Veurink. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and Zegar Heyblom, father of her children, Clyde VanArkel, husband, Andrew Groenhout, siblings, Grace Kruizenga, John Heyblom, Gil Heyblom, Joan Niven and Mary Veurink.
A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM Monday, January 11, 2020 at Lake Forest Cemetery. Covid 19 restrictions will apply and masks will be required.
The family would like to thank all those who lovingly cared for Mom in the Loft at Robbinswood Assisted Living. Memorial contributions in memory of Cora may be given to First Reformed Church; 301 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417, and Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave. #400, Muskegon, MI 49441. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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