Wilma Jean Van Dam was born March 7, 1929, to Gerrit and Dorothy (Kooiman) Van Dam. They lived in the Chandler MN, area. She was the oldest of 6 children. She attended country school through the 8th grade. Her family moved to a farm in the Woodstock, MN ,area when she was 9 years old. After school she worked as a mother's helper for several families with young children. She married Louis Grootwassink on November 25, 1949. They lived by Lake Wilson until 1958, when they moved onto the family farm by Woodstock. They had 4 children: Donna, Larry, Bonnie, and Brad. Wilma was a dedicated farm wife & helper for Louie as well as a housewife & mother. They traveled many years to California in the winter after their nest was empty! As Louie's health declined Wilma worked side by side with him in the fields. They moved to Edgerton in September of 1988. Louis passed away December 11, 1998. Wilma continued to live in Edgerton until moving into Edgebrook September 2018. Wilma loved gardening and canning. She was an avid card player and had many card playing friends. She loved doing crafts especially with her sisters!! There never was a dull moment, she was always in motion and didn't like to sit around! Wilma passed away on January 23, 2025. 

 She is survived by her children: Donna Grootwassink, Larry (Debbie) Grootwassink, Bonnie (Rod) Sas, Brad (Kris) Grootwassink; grandchildren: Anne Oevering, Benton & Brody; Ashley Nordmeyer, Tripp & Teagan; Stephanie (Jeff) McLain-Samantha Paige, Laney; Amy (Patrick) Lane-Stephanie Lane, Lathan (Karacin) Lane, Atlas Lane, Nichole (Kyle) Calise, Carson Lane, Troy & Anna Sas- Jaarom, Emett, Aryanna, Thalya, Caain, & Elijah. Shelly (Mike) Conklin-Jonathon; Tanya Grootwassink-lyla; Mandy Grootwassink; Lee (Portia) Grootwassink-Porter; sisters Gert (Harold) Jasper, Dorothy Van Essen, Carol (Marv) Struiksma; brother-in-law Robert (Joan) Grootwassink; many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Louie, sister & brother-in-law,  Alice & Harold Van Essen, brother and sister-in-law, Harry & Tressa Van Dam, and brother-in-law John Van Essen. 

She is resting in the arms of Jesus. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.