DeGroot, Donald J.Don DeGroot passed away peacefully on September 14 at his home in Santa Clara, CA.Don was born on November 12, 1931 in Green Bay Wisconsin, the only child of Charles and Bertha (Puissant) DeGroot. Don was raised on a farm in the rural Green Bay community of Preble. After his father died in 1948, he and his mother moved into Green Bay.Don graduated from Green Bay's Central Catholic High School in 1949, and attended Saint Norbert's College. He then joined the Navy and served for 4 years during the Korean War. He met his future bride, Barbara Hansen in 1952 while stationed at Moffett Field. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1955, he was hired by Noel J. Brown Manufacturing Company, becoming a journeyman tool and die maker. While working in the business, he rose to become an owner/partner and eventually plant manager and president. During his tenure with Brown Manufacturing he was National Director & past District Chairman of American Metal Stamping Association (AMSA). He was also a founder of Memory Disk Manufacturing Company & Distec Manufacturing Company.Don was a very active member of St. Justin's Catholic Church in Santa Clara, serving selflessly in church ministries. He is a past president of the St. Justin's men's club, called the Stablemates. While his sons were in their teen years, Don served in many positions with Boy Scout Troop 78, including being Scoutmaster. The family enjoyed many years boating at Camanche Lake, near Stockton, CA, with Don facilitating both family and friends in boating and water sports such as skiing, wake boarding and the like. Upon the sale of Noel J. Brown Manufacturing Company in 1982, he retired and took up many hobbies, passions and travels. These included becoming an FCC licensed Amateur Radio Operator, call sign KA6TGE. As a volunteer Ham, he devoted extensive time to emergency communications for local community agencies. He was Chief Radio Officer/Emergency Coordinator for the City of Santa Clara for 10 years.During retirement, Don and Barb enjoyed motor homing and made trips covering many miles all over America. He also enjoyed model railroading and slot car racing, and was a member of numerous clubs and organizations related to these interests. He also served as a volunteer driver with Campbell Seniors & Heart of the Valley. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barb, four children; Dan DeGroot (Kim) in San Luis Obispo, CA, Donna Vidal (Steve) in San Jose, CA, David DeGroot in Placerville, CA, Della Accardo (Mike) in Clovis, CA, 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.A rosary will be Friday, September 22, 7 PM at Lima Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester, Santa Clara. Private reflection time will be available at 6 PM.The funeral will be Saturday, September 23, 10 AM at St. Justin's Catholic Church, 2655 Homestead, Santa Clara. There will be a private graveside ceremony on Monday.In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to St. Justin's community ministries, or a .