Groen is leaving city post after 30 years

RANDOLPH — The first friendly face that many newcomers to Randolph have been greeted by for 30 years will be changing. Janet Groen, deputy city clerk is retiring.

“The most meaningful part of my work has been welcoming new customers/ citizens to Randolph,’’ Groen said. “I try to make people aware of what Randolph has to offer as a community. I tell them about summer activities. I want to make others aware of what the community has to offer. Sometimes people are surprised by how much Randolph has to offer. I will mainly miss the people I interact with. No two days are the same. ‘’

Born in Parkston, S.D., she is the daughter of John and Joyce Mechtenberg. Her siblings include a twin sister, an older brother and older sister, two younger sisters and two younger brothers.

A 1973 graduate of Parkston, she attended Middleton Commercial College in Sioux Falls, S.D. to become a medical assistant. She met Joe Groen, her husband, and began dating him at school in Parkston. He attended the University of South Dakota in Springfield to become a teacher.

The couple was married June 1, 1973. They have two daughters, Jenny and Jill. They have four grandchildren.

A move was made to Randolph in 1979.

“I enjoyed being in a larger community (at Randolph),’’ Groen said. “I was half way closer to home in Parkston.’’

Janet Groen began to work at the Randolph City office in May 1990. She is in charge of utility billing.

“I learned through on-the-job training. It is a learning experience. There are always advancements to learn about,’’ she said. “We’ve changed out of an Apple system to Windows. We have changed to a new billing system and different computer programs and eventually have upgraded to Windows 10.’’

Outside the city office, Groen has been an integral part of the community and in St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church.

J a n e t Groen served as a girl scout leader. She and Joe Groen have volunteered for ROAR and the Community Club. She has also participated in softball, golf and bowling. She worked as the bookkeeper and CCD coordinator at St. Frances de Chantal Catholic Church. She has volunteered for the Catholic Church’s liturgy committee, sang in the choir and served in Circle. She has been elected as an officer of the VFW Auxiliary. She also finds time for Bible Study.

She served with Mag Borst on the Q125 committee for souvenirs and memorabilia.

Now that work for the City comes to a close, Groen said she and Joe are hoping to travel when the virus precautions are reduced or removed.

“We have no plans yet,’’ Groen said. “We have a trailer on the Missouri that we will open up.’’

Newcomers to Randolph will now be greeted by Josh Rayford as deputy city clerk. He and his wife Joanna (Van Slyke) Rayford reside in Randolph.