Perry James DeGroat
Perry was born in 1918. He died at the age of 89 on May 20th, 2007.
- Death Notes
- Perry J. DeGroat, 88, Dallas, Wis., died Sunday, May 20, 2007, at Luther Hospital, Eau Claire.
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He was born July 25, 1918, at Bemmerville, N.J., the son of James and Eleanor (Perry) DeGroat. He grew up in the Sussex County, N.J., area and started driving truck as the age of 14 to earn money for his family.
On Oct. 15, 1937, he married Elizabeth Carr at Newton, N.J. He went to work as a tractor mechanic at the Ford dealership in Sussex County. Perry wasn't drafted for the simple fact that he was the only tractor mechanic in that area. After retiring, Perry and Elizabeth moved to Florida in 1983 and then to Dallas in November of 2006.
Upon retirement, he enjoyed pony harness racing for many years. He also enjoyed hunting and trap shooting. Perry was a great storyteller and was as honest as the day is long.
Surviving in addition to his wife are a son, Tom (Gloria) of Powhatan, Va.; a daughter, Eleanor (Fred) Lockburner of Barron; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a brother, Willard of Sussex, N.J.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Richard; a half-sister; and a half-brother.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 22, from Rausch-Rockman Funeral Chapel, Barron, with Rev. Tom LaChapelle of First United Methodist Church officiating.
Visitation was held an hour prior to services at the funeral home Tuesday.
Perry James DeGroat & Elizabeth Carr (DeGroat) 
