Ronald ‘Burley’ Grove

Published by admin on Tue, 07/09/2024 - 10:24am

1946 – 2024

BATTLE CREEK - Burley Grove, 78, of Battle Creek, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 12, 2024 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Battle Creek. Rev. Randy D. Cormeny will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Battle Center Cemetery of rural Battle Creek, with Military Rites conducted by the Maple Valley Post No. 0364 of the American Legion of Battle Creek.

A Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Battle Creek.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Battle Creek and Ida Grove, are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com.

Ronald Paul “Burley” Grove, the son of Burley and Edna (Ohlsen) Grove, was born on May 21, 1946, in Arthur. He grew up on a farm north of Arthur and received his education from Odebolt-Arthur High School graduating with the class of 1964. After graduation, Burley entered the workforce trucking full-time. In December of 1965, Burley enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Galva, Iowa and drove truck for Pyle Truck Line.

On Jan. 4, 1969, Burley was united in marriage to the love of his life, Jeanette Reitz, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Battle Creek. The couple made their home briefly in Schaller, before making their forever home in Battle Creek. They were blessed with three children: Justin, Jenni, and Jesse. For 20 years, Burley was employed as a truck driver for Midwest Industries. When Midwest ended their trucking department, Burley started his own trucking business with his sons. Over the years, he drove from coast to coast and made many friends across the country. He was kindly referred to as “The Legend” among those in the trucking industry.

Burley was a loving and devoted family man. He treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren. When he wasn’t out on the road, he was with his family. He shared with them their love for horses and roping. Known for being a jokester, Burley loved to pull pranks and was quite a story teller telling the same stories over each time a new member joined their family. He enjoyed shooting targets, spending time with his beloved dog, and running the skid loader. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 55 years, Jeanie Grove of Battle Creek; children Justin (Carmen) Grove, Jenni (Ed) Sohm, and Jesse (Rachel) Grove all of Battle Creek; grandchildren Gable, Claire, and Jack Sohm, Collin Grove, Katie Petersen, Matt Arkfeld, William and Abbott Grove; sisters Rochelle (Hank) Luscombe and Katie James; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Burley and Edna Grove; grandson Emmett Grove; sister Sherry (Gary) Gritten; brother-in-law Steve James; and niece Chrissy Baker.

Services: Friday, July 12, at 10:30 a.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, Battle Creek

Burial: Battle Center Cemetery, Battle Creek

Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home

Ida Grove • 712-364-2727 / Battle Creek • 712-365-4446