John G. Droog

JOHN G. DROOG, 85, died Sunday, 1/8, at the Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, 1/12, at 11am at the Faith Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center, with Rev. Cliff Hoekstra officiating. Interment will be held prior to the memorial service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center.

A prayer service will be held Thursday at 10am at the Faith Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, 1/11, at Faith Christian Reformed Church from 2pm to 8pm with the family present from 6pm to 8pm.

To view an online Life tribute viedo of John's Life please click on the following link.
http://videos.lifetributes.com/?id=2225

John Gerald Droog was born on June 2, 1920 in Hull, North Dakota. He was the twelfth of thirteen children born to Peter and Helen (Van Vugt) Droog. John enjoyed growing up on the family farm near Hull, North Dakota.

On May 20, 1942, John was called to serve his country in World War II. John performed various duties as a medic with units in the United States, Africa, and Italy before his discharge on December 20, 1945.

On August 26, 1947 John married the love of his life, Grace Nicolay. Together they made their home on the Droog family farm for several years. God blessed this union with six children: Sharon Louise, Gerald Laroy, Connie Louise, Shirley Jean, Sandra Lynn, and Colleen Joy.

In 1955, the family moved to Strasburg North Dakota where John worked as a bulk gas truck driver for the Standard Oil Company. He also served the community of Strasburg as the town treasurer for one term. Because relationships were a high priority in Johns life, coffee time with family and friends was a special part of his daily routine.

During his years in North Dakota, John was a member of the Hull Christian Reformed Church, where he served as an elder, cadet counselor, and Sunday school teacher. Children of all ages were drawn to John because of his deep voice, tender heart, and enthusiastic willingness to share the gentle love of God with them.

In 1968, God lead John and his family to Sioux Center Iowa. There John continued working with the Standard Oil Company in a service station with his brother Dalton. For many years, John cheerfully served the community of Sioux Center at Droogs Standard Station. John is remembered by many for his dedicated outgoing service with a friendly smile and the cleanest gas station around.

In Sioux Center, John was a member of the Bethel Christian Reformed Church where he served as an elder. In 1979, John and Grace became charter members of the newly organized Faith Christian Reformed Church. Upon the completion of Faiths new church building in 1981, John began his position as the church custodian. For 25 years, John (along with Grace) served his church community with his same outgoing and dedicated spirit.

John is preceded in death by both of his parents, a daughter, three brothers, eight sisters, and two still born grandchildren.

Thankful to have shared in his life are: His faithful wife Grace, his children and their families:
Gerald and Kathy (Nieuwsma) Droog of Sioux Center, IA and their family:
Melanie and Dennis Van Maanen; Robyn Hofman: Alissa and Mike Roetman; Amanda and Mike Franken
(Morgan, Sawyer, Jordyn) (Austin and Madison) (Leyton)

Connie and Doug DeNooy of Denver, CO and their family: Leah, Alicia and Luke De Nooy

Shirley and Gord Dekkenga of Yankton, SD and their family: Nathan and Diane Dekkenga;
(Alex and Carson)
Jessica and Mekonnen Afa; Jacob and Catherine Dekkenga ; Heather and Jeremy Buihas; Seth and Rebekah Dekkenga.
(Mineya) ( Lucia, Adrianna, Johnathan)

Sandi and Kim Shoesmith of San Deigo, CA and their family: Silas, Elijah, Lydia, and Christina.

Colleen and Allen Horstman from Sioux Center, IA and their family: Joy, Tyler, Abby and Sara.

Also, his sister and brother in law Bertha and William Nieuwsma and many special nieces and nephews.

Johns life reflected a deep love and devotion for his wife, family, friends and Lord. Even with failing health and frequent pain, Johns playful light-hearted spirit revealed his genuine passion for living. John leaves behind a rich legacy for all who loved him.