Marjorie Jeanine DeGroff

Marjorie Jeannine Bonenberger was born on November 17, 1930 near Atkinson, Holt County, Nebraska to Peter and Freda (Johnson) Bonenberger. Jean was the third child born in their family of ten children. Jean's parents lived a few miles west of Atkinson, farming and raising their large family of children; Glen who died in infancy, Dorothy, Jean, Bernard, Mary Ann, Richard, Peter, Ronald, Laurence and Roger. Jean attended grade school in District #76, Holt County, Nebraska, then went to Atkinson High School. In 1947 she enrolled in Capitol Beauty School in Omaha, receiving her Cosmetologist license on July 20, 1949. Jean was baptized and then confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church, Yutan, NE on March 31, 1957. Jean met Jay DeGroff and they married on her birthday, November 17, 1949 in Burwell, NE. Son Terry Jay was born in 1950, daughter Vicky Jean one year later to the day in 1951, Tommy Allen in 1952, Randy Lee in 1953, and Ricky Dale in 1955. Jean also cared for a niece, Linda DeGroff, who lived with the family for awhile. They lived in O'Neill, Wahoo, Yutan, Buena Vista, Colorado from 1963 to 1966, then to Elkhorn, Nebraska where Jean worked for Boys Town. Jean and Jay also lived in California. Jay passed away on March 11, 1975. In 1989, Jean retired from Brockway Glass, and moved from Upland, CA to Elkhorn. Her later years were spent in Burwell. While in Yutan, Jean had a beauty shop in their home. She enjoyed bowling, receiving trophies in the 1960's and 70's. The family loved visits from relatives, and spent many happy weekends with extended family. Jean enjoyed camping in the mountains, fishing in streams, and looking for driftwood. She loved cooking, baking and sharing recipes. She hand carried her carrot cake on the airplane when visiting from California. In later years she worked on her family tree, collecting information on her extended family and ancestors. She enjoyed her flowers and gardening. Jean was proud to be an American, belonging to the Western Douglas County American Legion Auxiliary Unit #362, where she served as Chaplain. Jean was proud of her grandkids and great grandkids. Jean is survived by her four sons and son-in-law, 14 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. Families include sons: Terry and Linda DeGroff of Burwell, NE, Tom and Patty DeGroff of Yankton, SD, Randy DeGroff and Georgia Nuzum of Yutan, NE, and Rick and Geri DeGroff of Yutan, NE. A son-in-law: Steve Murphy of Springfield, NE. Surviving are: Terry, wife Linda; Jason and Terri DeGroff, Jaylee, Trista and Guage; Laura and Scott Sylliaasen, Audrina and Ty; Michael and Jessica DeGroff, Addie, Paxton, Blaizen and baby girl due in January; Vicky's husband Steve Murphy; Tammy; Todd and Julie Murphy and baby boy Landon James due December 15; Tom, wife Patty; Perry and Liz DeGroff, Tyler, Dylan and Jessica; Matthew DeGroff; Randy, partner Georgia Nuzum; Amber and Chris Johnson, Calum, Caxtyn and Cavin; Kara and Cale Beyer, Elsie and baby due in 2015; Rick, wife Geri; Ryan and Jen DeGroff, Lane, Bailey and Allie; Kristy and Tim Adams, Caden, Arabella and Colby; Justin and Rochelle DeGroff, Holden, Ansley and Hesston; Jenny and Bob Lantis, Gracia, Elexis and Whitley; Brandon and Katie DeGroff, Carson and Conway. Also surviving Jean are two brothers: Richard Bonenberger of Wisner, NE, Ronald and wife Ellen Bonenberger of Omaha; two sisters: Dorothy Brau of Omaha, and Mary Ann Albrecht of Atkinson, NE; and sisters-in-law: Marge Bonenberger of Bassett, NE and Karen Bonenberger of Louisville, NE. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husband Andrew Jay DeGroff, daughter Vicky Murphy and five brothers, Glen as an infant, Leo, Butch, Larry, and Roger Bonenberger.

Marjorie Jeanine DeGroff

November 17, 1930 - December 9, 2014