James “Kurt” Grootens
James ‘Kurt’ Grootens, age 61, of Quincy, died on Thursday, November 10, 2022 in his home. He was born on September 14, 1961 in Quincy, IL the son of William and Clara (Knight) Grootens. Kurt was a welder at several local manufacturing companies.
Kurt enjoyed target shooting and sports, especially football.
Mr. Bill’s was very dear to Kurt’s heart. He was at his dad’s side from day one when ‘Mr. Bill’ bought the bar. He was an employee there for years. Every patron of Mr. Bill’s became a part of Kurt’s family that he cherished dearly. Kurt was a friend to everyone he met and you never saw him without a smile on his face. In later years, his brother Kevin and sister-in-law Debbie bought Mr. Bill’s and Kurt remained employed there until his passing.
Kurt is survived by
FOUR SIBLINGS: Patricia Swank and her husband Marty, Tony Grootens and his wife Heather, Kevin Grootens and his wife Debbie, and Stacy Howe and her husband David.
Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives including his long time companion Nancy Fruehling, and life long friends Troy Rehrig, Vic Seybold, and Randy Hagerbaumer also survive.
Kurt was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Kurt’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 from 12:00 noon until 4:00 PM at Mr. Bill’s. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
I’m so very sorry for your loss my prayers are with his family… Kurt was a great guy and a great childhood neighbor … Rest Easy Kurt
So sorry for your loss Nancy and stacie
Your in our hearts and prayers. Rest In Peace my brother.
He was one of the good guys he will be missed
My sympathies go out to the family. Kurt had such a good heart. He will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, my friend !
I’m so very sorry to hear this. Kurt and I grew up together. Prayers to the Grooten family. We Peppers and Grootens grew up together, Kurt was one of the nicest men I’ve known. I’m so sorry.
Thinking of your family at this time. Our families go back quite a ways, lots of Chop Suey and jugs from Birdie’s. Will always remember him as “Little Kurt”
Gonna miss his friendship over many years. Always upbeat and fun to be around.
So sorry to hear this. I will always have wonderful memories of Kurt growing up. He went to Texas with us and all four of us kids were in the back seat. Tom and Kurt on the floor and Sue and I on the seat.
I am so sorry for the loss. Kurt was a great guy!
I am so sorry to hear about Kurt’s death. Your mom and dad were great friends as were all you kids. My prayers are with your entire family.
He was Avery hard worker I Wii miss him and co workers at good Sam also and randy Patrick he will be blessed by angels
Sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss. Kurt always had a smile on his face and was a good guy. Condolences
My wife Laura and I want to express deep sorrow for the loss of our buddy Kurt. He was always fun and loved to laugh! We played floor hockey! Through the years we had many great times! You will be greatly missed!
I went to Monroe school with Kurt and always remember him as such a gentle and wonderful soul! My prayers for peace go out to Kurt’s family.
Kurt and I went to Monroe school together and grew up close to each other
He was a great guy and always had a smile on his face
A quiet but genuine man Rest easy my friend
We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed seeing Kurt. He always smiled and would have time to visit us at the bar, He will be sorely missed. We will keep the Grooten family in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending prayers for his family.
Such a wonderful kind man and classmate.
Rest in peace my brother
I am so sorry to hear about Kurt’s passing, He was a gentle soul. Prayers for his family and friends.
Very sad to hear. Condolences to Kurt’s family and friends.
Kathy and I were sad to hear of Kurt’s passing. We had some good times at Mr Bill’s over the years and Kurt was always upbeat and friendly. Thinking of you Tony, Kevin and family.
Kurt was a very good friend for many years, I especially enjoyed the time we spent bartending at Mr Bill’s together! Kurt was a wonderful man from a wonderful family..
Kurt was one of my oldest and long time friend. The best. Rest In Peace my Brother.
So saddened to hear of Kurt’s passing. I became friends with Kurt at Monroe Elementary and last saw him in 1993 on my last visit to Quincy. He was exactly the same through all those years — big-hearted, fun-loving and truly a champion of the underdog. R.I.P. big guy!