Marie Jean (Pell) Groeneveld passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the age of 92. She was known as Jane throughout her life.  She was the third of eight children born to Rev. Jerold and Grace Pell.  Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Ken; brothers, John Pell, and David Pell; sisters, Clara DeVries, and Ann Grantham.  Jane will be greatly missed by her children, Patricia (Larry Lambregtse), Ken (Phyllis), Jerold (Wendy), Daniel (Jennifer), 24 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brothers, Jerold (Sarah) Pell, Peter (Pat) Pell; and her sister, Mary Slotman.

Jane married Kenneth Groeneveld on October 24, 1952.  They celebrated 72 years of marriage.  She met Ken while her father was pastor at Moline Congregational Church (later Moline Baptist).  Jane served the Lord as a wife, mother, grandmother, and full-time homemaker.  She loved to cook, bake, and entertain in her home.  

Jane was a member of Moline Baptist Church while her family grew up. She served her Lord as a Sunday School teacher, Pioneer Girls Club leader, Ladies Missionary Society officer, and in the choir at Moline Baptist.  In later years, she was a faithful member of Calvary Church of Wayland.  

Upon Ken's retirement, Jane split her time between Florida and Michigan.  She loved to share her home on Gun Lake.  She hosted many family and friends there.  She told her children many times how blessed she was to live on the water.  She took joy in the swans, herons, ducks, songbirds and even the pesky squirrels that frequented her feeders.  She also loved the Florida sunshine.  She wintered in Orlando from 1991 to 2010 and in Lehigh Acres from 2010 to 2024.  While in Florida, she enjoyed fellowship with her friends from Orlando Baptist Church and McGregor Baptist Church respectively.  

Jane loved her family first and foremost.  Her children were her career.  She was a first-rate chocolate fan.  She loved chocolate candy, brownies, Texas sheet cake, and any form of chocolate ice cream.  Her last meal on this earth was a chocolate milkshake from her son Dan.  She loved living on Gun Lake and passed on a love for fishing to all three sons.  She taught each son to clean and fillet the fish they caught.  She canned and froze produce from the gardens Ken planted. Every family member has an item she crocheted or knitted for them.  Jane was also blessed to travel to many places in this world.  She toured Europe while her husband was deployed to Lakenheath RAF.  She camped with her family around Lake Superior and out west to Yellowstone National Park.  Ken and Jane toured in Alaska, Arizona and fished up in Lake Nipigon, Canada.

Jane leaves behind her family and friends with many wonderful memories.  She will be missed very much.  Yet we know she is rejoicing with her Lord and Savior as well as with her loved ones who have gone before her.  A memorial service will be held at Calvary Church of Wayland, 304 Main Street, for family and friends on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11 AM with Pastor William Brew officiating.  A family graveside service is planned at Winchester Cemetery in the summer of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a gift to Faith Hospice.