Kelly J. DeGroot, 58, of Green Bay, WI passed Sunday, June 9, 2024.

He was born May 30, 1966 in Green Bay, WI.  He is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Liz), the mother of three of his children, Madison, Tyler, and Abbey; first son Jeffrey Watts, grandson Nathan Watts; parents Joseph and Sharon (VanLaanen) DeGroot; sister Kim (DeGroot) Mineau, brother Kurt DeGroot; 4 sisters-in-law Pattie (Dessart) VanDenLangenberg, Donna Dessart, Debbie (Dessart) Beaudry, and Lisa (Dessart) Duffy; 2 brothers-in-law Pete Dessart and Thomas Dessart.

Kelly and Liz got married in 1987. He entered the Navy shortly after serving for 11 years during Operation Desert Storm proudly as a Navy Nuke.

He loved his family very much and worked so hard to provide for them. He challenged himself all throughout life. Work was a life mantra for him. He enjoyed learning, and helping people learn. Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay in his 50's, and recently performed as an adjunct professor at the same university teaching computer science.

He graduated Bay Port High School in 1984, where he held the school record for shot put (56' 6 3/4") for 32 years. Competitive sports have always played a role in Kelly's life, like football (high school, college, and semipro with the Timberjacks (in his 40's), where he was a member of the 2-time state champion teams).  He also participated in wrestling, track & field, and bowling (including 2 perfect 300 games).

He also loved movies and games. He spent many spirited hours playing games with his kids, family, or on his computer. As a big Packer fan, you would often spot Kelly cheering, yelling, or talking about the team.

His passing was sudden and unexpected. Kelly was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma one week before his passing, and did not survive his chemo treatments. While we lost our most beloved dad, son, brother, many have also lost a friend and loved one in him. He has been a rock to many, a master at dry, sarcastic humor, and even a pain in the neck at times. However, he would always be by your side if you needed him. Many of us have benefitted from his help, his wit, and his happy demeanor.  He will be so missed.

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, June 27, from 3:00 – 6:00 PM at Pfotenhauer Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Howard-Suamico location, 1145 Cardinal Lane. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, any donations will be used to help offset the cost of Kelly's funeral services.