Kathryn ‘Kitty’ Helen Grotenhuis, age 88, of Baldwin, passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at the Baldwin Area Medical Center.  Kitty was born in Hammond Township on June 6, 1923 to Martin and Kathalena (DeWitte) Wisse.  She grew up and attended school in the Baldwin area.  During World War II she worked in various civilian defense plants supporting the war effort.  On May 3, 1946 she was married to Herman B Grotenhuis at the First Reformed Church in Baldwin.  The marriage would be blessed with two children, Philip and Marlene. Kitty was a devout and dedicated farmers wife.  The family was often treated to her various baked goods and she kept the pantry stocked with her canning skills.  Her friends and family remember her as a woman with a generous heart who spoke her mind. She was very active with the First Reformed Church as a member of ladies circle, a part of the Vacation Bible School program, and lunch committees as well as a proud member of the Baldwin American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
 
Kitty is survived by her; son, Philip (Martha) Grotenhuis of Fargo, ND, daughter, Marlene Grotenhuis of Tivoli, TX, grandson Thomas of Fargo and sisters-in-law, Nellie Voskuil and Donna Wisse.
 
She is preceded in death by her; parents, husband, Herman, and siblings, Marie Wokosin, Frances Ballard and Marion Wisse.
 
A Funeral Celebration of life for Kitty will be held at 11am on Thursday, October 6 at the First Reformed Church of Baldwin.  Burial will follow at the Baldwin Cemetery.  A visitation will be held for one hour prior to services at the church.  Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home – Baldwin.   715.684.3434    www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com