Rick N. Groninga, 73

Rick N. Groninga, 73, of Wellsburg, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, April 5. 2026, at his home surrounded by his family under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice after a long courageous battle with cancer. A visitation will take place on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in rural Wellsburg. Memorial services will be on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. At the conclusion of the services everyone is invited to the Wellsburg Memorial Building for a celebration of life where lunch will be served. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Rick was born on May 16, 1952, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Virgil and Gwen (Ross) Groninga. He grew up alongside his siblings Barbara, Randall, Rosemary, and Troy. He graduated from Wellsburg High School with the Class of 1971 and went on to attend Ellsworth Community College, where he played both baseball and football. He continued his baseball career at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. He cherished his time on the field, including being part of the 1977 Wellsburg Merchants Class B State Champion softball team.

Rick dedicated much of his working life to his community. He was employed at Farmland and Snittjer Grain before becoming the proud owner and operator of the Wellsburg Tap, which he ran for 25 years. He was also a member of Jolly Boys and Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church.

On December 16, 2006, Rick married the love of his life, Ginny (Doyen) Haupt, in Las Vegas. Together, they shared many happy years filled with travel, camping adventures, and trips to the casino. Rick was an avid sports fan who rarely missed a game, especially when cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones, the New York Yankees, and the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Rick had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Many memories were made on his annual men’s fishing trips.

Above all, Rick loved his family. He took great pride in being “Papa” to his grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to attend their activities and celebrate their accomplishments.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Ginny Groninga; his stepchildren, Derek (Shannon) Haupt, Nick Haupt, Michael (April) Haupt, and Bryan Haupt; his beloved grandchildren, Hannah, Caleb, Alexa, and Talea, all of Wellsburg; his siblings, Barbara Gilliam of Des Moines, Randy Groninga of Wellsburg, Rosemary (Wade) Gethmann of Hubbard, and Troy (Maria) Groninga of Wellsburg. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews 

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law, Bob Gilliam, and his sister-in-law, Rhonda Groninga.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Cedar Valley Hospice, UIHC, and MercyOne for their compassionate care.

Rick will be remembered for his love of family, his dedication to his community, and the joy he brought to those around him.