Richard J. deGrood, 68, of Eau Claire died peacefully of cancer at his home on Sunday, February 8, 2004. He was born in Austin, Minnesota on July 4, 1935, the son of Lambert and Anne (Derks) deGrood. \r\nA 1948 graduate from Cotter High School in Winona, MN, Richard went on to receive his BS at St. Mary's College. He then spent four years studying at the North American University in Rome, Italy. During the eight years that followed, he loving served his community as a Catholic priest in Minnesota. He later received his PhD from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.\r\nRichard had been a much loved professor and mentor in the department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at UW-Eau Claire for 26 years when he retired two years ago. Over the course of his career, he was chairman of the department and spent three wonderful semesters teaching at Harlaxton University in Grantham, England.\r\nRichard was an active member of the Newman Community, helped found Communiversity, and joyously volunteered at The Community Table, the Sacred Heart Hospital Medical Ethics Committee, Elderhostel, the Library Board, and numerous other programs throughout the community. He was an avid golfer at Mill Run Golf Course where he spent many happy hours during his retirement.\r\nRichard is survived by Deirdre, his wife of 35 years; his three children, Sarah (Lawrence) Jonaus of Columbus, OH, Matthew deGrood, and Martha (Erik) Skold of St. Paul, MN; his adoring granddaughter, Anna Jonaus; three brothers, John (Shirley) deGrood of Mankato, MN, Tom (Patti) deGrood of Parowan, UT, Edward (Betty) deGrood of Palm Bay, FL; three sisters, Louise Lacher of Orange, CA, Mary (Ronald) Loftness of Winona, MN, and Francille (Michael) Yahnke of Winona, MN; nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betty Foye; two brothers-in-law, Keith Foye and Leo Lacher; and his beloved dog, Winston.\r\nIn lieu of flowers Richard's family requests memorials be directed to the Richard deGrood Study Abroad Scholarship, UWEC Foundation, Rm 214 Schofield Hall, 105 Garfield Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701. \r\nA Funeral Mass will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at Newman Parish, at the Ecumenical Religious Center at UW-Eau Claire, 110 Garfield Ave., with Father George R. Szews officiating. Family and friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Ecumenical Religious Center.

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