Gerald "Judge" Groenewold

Gerald “Judge” Groenewold of Delavan passed away on September 25, 2024, one day short of his 88th birthday at home with family and friends. He was born to Dan and Lucille Groenewold. He was one of ten children. He married Bev Metcalf on August 22, 1959 in Delavan and she survives.
 
Also surviving are his children: Callie Jo (Rick) Mammen, Delavan and Rich (Kathleen) Groenewold, Gilbert, Arizona; his grandchildren Melody (Clint) Stout, Morton, and Matt Mammen, Morton, and Rylee Groenewold, Gilbert, Arizona; one great grandchild, Russell Mammen, Morton; two brothers Robert Groenewold, Metamora; Everett Dale Groenewold, Colorado; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by dear friends the JT& Laura Hayes family, JoAnne Beymer, and Steve Zahner. Judge was preceded in death by Andrea Mammen, wife of Matt Mammen, his parents, four sisters and three brothers.
 
Judge graduated from Delavan High School in 1955. He was a self-employed contractor and carpenter. Judge had an artistic eye for detail. He was an artisan when it came to his woodworking skills. He will be remembered for both his storytelling and generosity with friends and strangers.
 
Judge was a member of the Methodist Church. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, October 3, 2024 at the Delavan United Methodist Church. Pastor Charles Graul will officiate. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at the church. Burial will be at Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan is handling the arrangements.
 
Memorials may be made to: Delavan United Methodist Church, 417 S. Locust St., Delavan, Illinois 61734 or Tazewell Animal Protective Society (TAPS), 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

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