GROOTHUIS, Arnold

Arnold Groothuis, 71 years of age from Funk, NE died on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Arnold was born on April 15, 1940 in Franklin County, NE to Ed and Sophia (Fegter) Groothuis. He was confirmed at the Ash Grove Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He attended school at Ash Grove District 22. On February 18, 1962 he married Ruby Schmidt in Norman, Nebraska. Arnold served in the U.S. Army from 1962 until 1964. After serving in the army they lived and worked in Phelps County. Arnold worked for Tri-County for 34 years as heavy equipment mechanic. He was a member of the Fridhem Lutheran Church in Funk and the Funk Vol. Fire Department. Arnold's family was most important to him. He loved spending time with them. Survivors include his wife, Ruby of Funk; daughter, Michelle Groothuis of Kearney; son, Bradley Groothuis and his significant other, Carla Yung of Funk; grandson, Brenton Yung-Groothuis; four brothers, Erwin Goothuis and his wife, Evon of Axtell, Randolph, Ralph and Frederick Groothuis of Hildreth and a host of family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Kenneth and Marvin. Memorials are suggested to the Funk Fire Dept. or the Funk School Community Center. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Fridhem Lutheran Church in Funk with Rev. Darrel Wissmann officiating. Burial will be in the Fridhem Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Layton-Craig Funeral Home in Minden on Monday from 5-7 p.m.