Tom Henry Van Groningen

Tom Henry Van Groningen was born on November 18, 1950, the youngest of five boys to Adrian and Helena Van Groningen.

He went home to the outstretched arms of the Lord to be with his parents and his loving, loyal dog, Morgan.

Adrian and Helena raised the boys on a dairy that was the family business for many years, but Tom decided he wanted to pursue a different interest.  

He met and dated Peggy Lynn Staton, the daughter of David and Betty Staton, in Exeter, California.  They both attended Exeter High  School and eventually became an item and married on June 11, 1972, in Exeter.

Soon after Tom decided to buy a hay truck, he hauled hay to the local dairies and farms, never getting too far from the farming life.

Two little girls soon completed the family. Melinda Brooke was born on July 9, 1974, and Jami Lynn was born on November 30, 1977.

After Tom left hay hauling, he went to work for Walmart as a long-haul driver, and the rest is history. He drove all over the western United States, and everybody knew Tom. He never saw a stranger. Tom would help any soul in need and was the best friend anyone could have.

He and  Peggy loved taking trips in their motor home and going to the coast for regular times with friends at Pismo Coast Village. They also enjoyed their annual trips to Jami and her family in Susanville.

In more recent years, he had his coffee group with all his retired gentlemen friends from Visalia. There wasn't anything in this group that they didn't know.

The family was Tom's priority in life. He loved family get-togethers and trips, his grandkids Haley, Jayci, Hannah, Jack, and his nieces and nephews.

Tom was loved deeply and will be missed by Peggy, his family, and many cherished friends.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy, his daughters Mindy Riddle (Charlie) and Jami Duty (Jason), and his grandchildren Hailey Koch (Collin), Hannah Riddle, Jayci Duty, and Jack Duty. His brothers John Van Groningen (Jean), Art Van Groningen(Joan ), Cornie Van Groningen (Rosemary), Bob Van Groningen (Shari), and many nieces and nephews. His sister-in-law and brother-in-law are Carol and David Cairns.

A celebration of life will be held on May 24 from 2:00-6:00 pm at 16384 Outside Creek Road, Visalia, CA 93292. The family would appreciate you visiting this open house celebration to see the family and tell stories.

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