Thomas B. Grootemaat ’55

Tom died May 15, 2004, in Naples, Fla.

He was born in Madison, Wis., but grew up in Milwaukee. Tom attended the Milwaukee University School. At Princeton he majored in geology, joined Quadrangle Club, participated in I.A.A. swimming, and served on the staff of the Daily Princetonian. His roommates included Chet French and Tim Kilty.

Tom joined the Carter Oil Co. as a field geologist and remained with the company through its transition into Exxon. During that time he earned a master's in business from the University of Pittsburgh. After working for Williams Pipeline and Maguire Oil Co., Tom and his wife, Phyllis, moved to Fort Myers, Fla., to start their own business.

Tom was very active in the Princeton Club of Southwest Florida and served as its president. While living in Florida, he enjoyed sailing, scuba diving, and eco-travels.

Tom was predeceased by his son, Derek. He leaves Phyllis; their children Karen Cromey and Jana Grootemaat; six grandchildren; his mother, Catherine; and sisters Jill Pelisek and Gail Grootemaat. The class extends its deepest sympathy to them all.

The Class of 1955