 |
(Saturday - November
14, 2020) - Kay Lynn Groeneveld was restored to full mobility, dancing
with Jesus, on Friday, November 13.
Kay was the first-born
daughter of Albert and Joyce (Dixon) Groeneveld, born August 5, 1948.
She was a lifelong resident of Kingsford, Michigan = minus a 27-year
escapade while living in and near Boulder, Colorado.
Kay was an
excellent student, obtaining a degree in special education from NMU
after graduating with the KHS class of 1966. Realizing teaching was not
her lifelong dream, Kay packed up her brand new 1973 Mustang fastback
and headed for Colorado, much to her father's dismay. There, she wore
many and varied hats.
Among them were General Manager and CFO of
the Coors International Bicycle Classic, what was to become the biggest
international bike race in the USA. The race grew to be the 4th biggest
in the world, carried on CBS and ESPN. The race had a million spectators
gather annually from its start in San Francisco coursing through four
states ending in Colorado, hosting top Olympic amateur and pros in the
world. Kay was responsible for growing merchandise sales of the event to
$1.5 million, in 1980's money, topping many franchise league teams at
the time.
Her travels for the Classic took her to annual bike
shows in New York City and Los Angeles, and to gatherings in Europe. Kay
managed 300 race staff during the event and 17 year-round employees of
the event production company. One of her highlights was managing race
staff logistics for a special race start on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Kay also worked on projects for famed scientist and chimpanzee
observer Dr. Jane Goodall, including a noted fundraiser in Los Angeles,
with Michael Jackson and Jack Lemmon as chairs.
After 27 years,
she returned to be with her family in Kingsford, back to teaching, while
creating close friendships with coworkers at Florence County Schools.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, brother Billy, nephew
Jordan, and dear friend Betty Massa. She leaves behind brothers George
(Shelley), Jan (Melanie), and sister Joy (Larry) Nasi. Having no
children, Auntie Kay claimed her nieces and nephews as her own,
including Erich (Syvannah) Groeneveld, Andria (Ben) Halaas, Christopher
(Kristen) Groeneveld, Justin (Jessica Bal) Groeneveld, Jacob (Britney)
Groeneveld, Timmy (Andra) Nasi, Jonny Nasi, EmmaKay (Matt Vincent) Nasi,
Lindsay (Hannah) Groeneveld, and Rachel Christensen. She also leaves her
grands, Drew, Natalie, and Cole Halaas, Coen Christensen, Madison,
Aubrey, and Jackson Groeneveld, Jordan Perry, and Journee Chartier. With
Colorado friends, Michael and Rosemary, she remained forever close.
Kay will be remembered as a competent woman of detail who could make
things happen, a most wise, loving, and generous aunt, a positive role
model in the face of adversity, and a faithful Christian with a vibrant
soul. She was a genuine blessing to all.
A memorial service will
be held, in better times, with Pastor Paul Strom, of Our Saviour's
Lutheran Church officiating.
Condolences to the family of Kay L.
Groeneveld may be expressed online at:
www.ernashfuneralhomes.com
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home
with the arrangements.
|
|
