Ralph Simon Groothuis, 72 years of age from Hildreth, NE passed away at his home south of Hildreth on September 24, 2017. Funeral services will be on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church west of Macon with Reverends Baron and Nancy Cole and Pastor Daren Popple officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Craig Funeral Home in Minden is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the church.

Ralph was born on February 22, 1945 in Franklin County to Ed and Sophia (Fegter) Groothuis. He was baptized on March 18, 1945 at the family home by Pastor Donald W. Behrens and confirmed May 31, 1959 by Pastor Henry E. Pralle. Ralph attended school at Ash Grove and later Wilcox. Ralph farmed in the area all his life.

Survivors include two brothers, Randolph Groothis and Frederick Groothuis both of rural Hildreth; sister in-law, Ruby Groothuis of Funk; nephews, Joel Groothuis and wife, Tracey and family of Wilcox, Brad Groothuis and wife, Carla and family of Funk; nieces, Leta Weibold and husband, Scott and family of North Bend, Sharon Krueger and husband, Tony and family of Blue Hill, Michelle Groothuis of Kearney, Myrna Emmons and husband, Collin and family of Lincoln and Michelle Screen and family. He is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Erwin and his wife, Evon, Marvin, Kenneth and Arnold.