Joan Groen

Joan Groen, 86, of Raymond, formerly of Lake Lillian, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on Thursday, June 4. Her Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, June 9 at St. Clara’s Catholic Church in Clara City. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Monday and continue one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday all at the church. Private burial will take place at the Minnesota State Veteran Cemetery in Redwood Falls. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar.

Joan Marie Groen was born on January 11, 1940, to Clifford and Carrie (Harms) Sommerfield at the family home in Clara City, Minnesota. She attended St. Clara’s Catholic School through the eighth grade and graduated from Clara City High School in 1958.

On February 27, 1960, Joan married the love of her life, John “Bud” Groen, at St. Clara’s Catholic Church in Clara City. Together they built a life in Blomkest and were blessed with five children: Laura, Audrey, Scott, Deb, and Missy.

Joan held several jobs throughout her life. She began working at Piggly Wiggly and Variety Supply before dedicating several years to raising her family. Later, she joined Somody Supply, where she worked for 24 years. While employed there, Joan and Bud also served as managers of Park #1 on Big Kandiyohi Lake. They welcomed campers and visitors for 38 years before retiring in 2025.

Over the years, Joan and Bud formed countless friendships at the campground, many of which grew into lasting relationships that felt more like family. Joan was especially known for her delicious homemade cinnamon rolls, which became a favorite among campers and guests alike.

Joan and Bud also enjoyed traveling together and created many cherished memories on trips to Mexico, Texas, Florida, Branson, the Bahamas, and northern Minnesota.

Joan is survived by her loving husband, Bud; children, Laura (John) Cunningham, Scott (Sue) Groen, Deb Hoberg (special friend, Mike Zieske), and Missy (Mark) DeBoer; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and sister, Linda (Butch) Klein.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Audrey; grandchildren: Matthew Roschild, and Maysen Joan Karlgaard; her parents, Clifford and Carrie Sommerfield; and her sister, Judy Claude.

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