Groenendal, Don T. "Chip"

Don T. “Chip” Groenendal, age 65 of Grant, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 9, 2008 at his home.  Don was born on April 23, 1943 in Fremont and was raised by Elmer and Margaret (Jones) Olson.  Don graduated from Fremont High School in 1962 and was later drafted into the United States Army where he served during the Vietnam Era.  Don has been a lifelong resident of the area where he was a self employed car dealer.  He had also been the owner of Vette Fantastic in Fremont and had been a partner of Satellite Auto in Fremont.  Don had been racing various items from the time of high school.  Throughout his years, he raced go-carts, drag racing on the amateur circuit, and snowmobile racing on the professional circuit.  Don enjoyed working on cars and had also been a stock car mechanic.  Don also found much enjoyment in golfing in the past few years.  He was also a member of the Royal Corvette Club of West Michigan.

Don is survived by his daughter, Mindy (Ron) Wells of Fremont; his wife, Lazara Groenendal of Grant; step son, Cornell Owens of Rochester Hills, Michigan; his sisters, Arlene (Doug) Kenney of Howard City; Deanna (John) Rynberg of Fremont; Rosemary Towne of Howell; his former wife, Dyann Groenendal of Fremont; foster son, Todd Tyler of Muskegon; special friends, Dar & Darrel Crawford; Jerry & Ilene Witte; Warren & Pat Stroven; many nieces, nephews, and special friends in the area.

MEMORIAL SERVICES : Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 1pm at the Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel.  MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : Don T. Groenendal Family to assist with funeral expenses.  Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Groenendal Family online at www.crandellfh.com. 

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