Patricia A DeGroot

PEKIN ~ Patricia Anne DeGroot, 74, of rural Pekin, passed away and went home to the Lord at 2:10 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017 at her home. She fought Alzheimer’s disease for over 10 years.

Born June 4, 1942 in Peoria to James E. and Lucille L (Roach) Knappenburger, she married Donald G. DeGroot, Sr. on October 24, 1958 in Pekin.

Surviving are her husband of 58 years of marriage; three sons, Donald DeGroot, Jr. of Pekin, Jay DeGroot of Jackson, TN and Todd DeGroot of Pekin; six grandchildren, Donald DeGroot, III of Manito, Mason DeGroot, Max DeGroot, both of Jackson, TN, Regan Critz of Canton, Morgan DeGroot and Elijah DeGroot, both of Pekin; one great-grandson, Roran Critz; one brother, Frank Knappenburger of Denham Springs, LA and one sister, Carol Alston of Glen Burnie, MD.

Pat worked her whole life serving the public as a waitress, hostess and restaurant manager/owner. She did all of the jobs very well and she enjoyed her work. She and Don ran the Dairy Crème at 211 North 8th Street for 25 years thanks to all of their great customers, retiring in 2008. She also formerly owned the Court Street Corral in Pekin from 1968 to 1972. Some of the other locations she worked included: Sunset Hills Bowling, Normandy Club, The Chateau on the Lake, Murphy’s in Peoria, Radio City Tap and as the manager of Kentucky Fried Chicken in Canton, Weavers Fried Chicken in Pekin and the Mackinaw Inn.

Pat will be remembered by her family as a sweet soul that was always upbeat, patient, smiling and kind. She enjoyed doll collecting and going to doll shows.

She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Pekin.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Liberty Baptist Church in Pekin. Pastor Roger Lipe will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Burial will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Baptist Church, 2105 Sheridan Road, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the Alzheimer’s Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 www. alz.org

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com