Anthony G. VanGrootenbruel
Anthony G. VanGrootenbruel, 86, of Butler passed away Monday surrounded by his family at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Butler.
Born on July 28, 1927, in Butler, he was the son of the late Alexander and Rosie Maire VanGrootenbruel.
He was employed in the press department of Pullman Standard for 25 years until the closing of the plant. Following the closing of Pullman Standard, he went to work for Hutchinson’s Cleaners as a night watchman for 14 years.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II. He received the Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal.
He was a member of the Oak Hills Christian Disciples of Christ Church.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, bowling and all sports. He especially enjoyed regular nightly visits at the Donut Connection on Center Avenue.
Surviving are his wife, Mildred “Midge” Lesnik VanGrootenbruel, who he married on Dec. 11, 1985; his three stepchildren, Anita Kalac Overbo of Saxonburg and Jody Kalac McEathron and Michael Kalac of Butler, all of whom he raised; his three grandchildren, Sterling and Deianera McEathron and Paula Crider, all of Butler; his five great-grandchildren, Paxtyn McIllwain, and Paula Crider’s four children, Katelyn and Alexys Scott and Colton and Sophia Crider; his half-brother, Robert (Vivian) Maharas of Michigan; his numerous nieces and nephews; his special nephew, Joseph (Carol) Grippo of Butler, with whom he went hunting and fishing; Joseph’s wife, Carol, and their son, Joshua, also of Butler, and his best friend, Harry E. Fry of Butler.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Logan VanGrootenbruel, who passed away on May 4, 1948; his six brothers; and his two sisters.
VanGrootenbruel — There will be no public visitation for Anthony G. VanGrootenbruel, who passed away Monday, June 9, 2014.Arrangements are by the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.
