After returning from World War II, John C. Groot built the small waste-disposal business founded by his father, Cornelius Groot, into a regional firm. Mr. Groot, 83, of Orland Park died Thursday, March 11, in his home after a battle with congestive heart failure. Raised on Chicago’s West Side, he served as a captain and fighter pilot in the Marines from 1942 to 1946 and saw combat in Okinawa, Japan, and the Philippines. After the war, he met Phyllis Persenaire, whom he married in 1947. They raised their family in Evergreen Park. Mr. Groot and his brother, Larry, took over the family’s business, Groot Disposal, which operated around Berwyn and Cicero. When his brother died in the mid-1950s, Mr. Groot took sole control of the business, which grew to serve area communities. He retired in 1980. His son, Lawrence, and son-in-law, Lee Brandsma, now run the business. In the early ’80s, Mr. Groot suffered a stroke that left him unable to use his right hand. But Mr. Groot, who had been an active tennis player and golfer, eventually returned to the links. “He played golf one-handed for many years,” his son-in-law said. In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Groot is survived by four daughters, Valerie Van Woerkom, Pamela Brandsma, Gayle Vryhof and Robin Ipema; 23 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park. Services will be private.
