Benjamin DeGroot, 44, Willmar, MN

 Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday April 18, 2026 at 10:30 am at the First Baptist Church in Avon. Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 6 pm on Friday at the First Baptist Church in Avon. 

Benjamin Joseph DeGroot was born May 13, 1981 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton to Gary and Sandra (Eben) Degroot. He spent his childhood on the family farm, and attended school in Avon. While in high school he played football, ran track, was a drummer in the school band, and sang with all of the school music groups. When he graduated from high school in 2000, he said that he had good life, even though he had surgery 22 times.

When Ben was attending Sunday school he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He was baptized at First Baptist Church in Avon.

Ben attended South Dakota State University, and graduated from Mitchell Technical Institute in 2003.

Ben worked for Farmer’s Elevator in Avon, and was the manager of Farm and Ranch Supply. He currently worked for EMR Northern Metal Recycling in Willmar, Minnesota.

Ben loved country music; supporting the SDSU Jackrabbits, the Green Bay Packers, and the Avon Pirates football teams; and cooking for small and large family groups and friends.

Ben passed unexpectedly from this earth on April 11, 2026 from an unknown heart condition.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Andy & Irene Eben and Joe and Pearl DeGroot.

He leaves behind Rebecca Fisher of Willmar, MN; his parents, Gary & Sandy DeGroot of Springfield, SD; his brother, Jake (Audra) DeGroot of Sioux Falls, SD; and five nieces & nephews; and Farah Smith & Jose Longoria, and Jose Longoria III.

Ben’s peaceful nature will be missed. Rest in Peace, Ben.