Teunis “Tony” Van Grootheest, age 84, of Luverne, Minn., died on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne.
Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at the American Reformed Church in Luverne. Funeral service was at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the American Reformed Church. Burial will follow at the Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Arrangements were under the care of Hartquist Funeral Home.
To view Tony’s obituary or sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Tony was born on Aug. 5, 1942, in Fairview, S.D., to John and Elizabeth (Schelling) Van Grootheest. He attended country school and completed his eighth-grade education. At the age of 15, Tony began working as a hired farm hand for area farmers. His strong work ethic and love of farming became an important part of who he was throughout his life.
On Jan. 2, 1963, Tony was united in marriage to Sadie Van De Kieft in Rock Rapids, Iowa. In 1964, they moved to Steen, Minn., where Tony continued working in agriculture. In January 1966, Tony and Sadie moved to Hardwick, Minn, where Tony began farming.
He farmed for 56 years, building a life and raising his family in the Hardwick community. Farming was more than a job to Tony; it was a way of life that reflected his hard work, determination, and love for the land.
Tony and Sadie retired and moved to Luverne, on April 16, 2022.
Tony enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and spending time with others. He was a long-time member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne.
He enjoyed playing dice, going out for coffee with friends, traveling with family and friends, and trying his luck at the casino. Tony opened the café so local farmers from Hardwick could come in for coffee in the mornings. He looked forward to those mornings and took great joy in catching up with the farmers, hearing what was happening around the area, and visiting with old friends.
Most of all, Tony loved his family. He especially cherished time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, teaching them to drive the truck, four-wheeler, and tractor on the farm. He enjoyed making memories with root beer floats, homemade applesauce, and teaching them card and dice games like 10,000, 6-5-4, and Hi- Low.
Above all, Tony loved watching his family spend time together at the farm and treasured those memories dearly.
Tony died peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne at the age of 84 years and eight days.
Tony is survived by his wife, Sadie, of 63 years; five children, Michael (Maryln) Van Grootheest of Luverne, Larry (Katia) Van Grootheest of Arden Hills, Minn., Leroy (Heather) Van Grootheest of Eagan, Minn., Loren Van Grootheest of North Mankato, Minn., and Michele (Kory) Kruse of Ellsworth, Minn.; 15 grandchildren; Matthew (Katie), Michaela, McKenzie (fiancé Josh Muth) Van Grootheest, Antonio, Sophia Van Grootheest, Elijah, Gabrielle, Joshua, Maya, Eden Van Grootheest, Peter, Noah Van Grootheest, Hannah (Christian) Hoiland, Karly, Leah (fiancé Jonny Kill) Kruse; great-grandchildren, Kallista, Huntley Van Grootheest and soon to be Baby Hoiland; four brothers, Cornie Van Grootheest, Wilbur (Barb) Van Grootheest, Lawrence (Dee) Van Grootheest all of Rock Valley, Iowa, and John Van Grootheest of Sheboygan, Wis.; four sisters, Harriet (Marinus) Van De Kieft of Rock Valley, Betty Van Grootheest of Canton, S.D., Rivinia Filipek of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Joann Shaw of Sioux Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth; two brothers, Gerrit and Henry Van Grootheest; and his twin sister, Tracy Van Grootheest.
His greatest legacy is the example he gave his family of working hard, caring for others, staying connected to his community, and making time for the people he loved. Tony’s family will forever cherish the memories, stories, laughter, and love he leaves behind.
