John Growt, 80, of De Pere, died Saturday afternoon April 10, 2010. The son of the late Glenn and Esther (Schroeder) Growt was born March 4, 1930 in La Crosse. He graduated from Ripon College in 1951. John served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp. from 1951 to 1953. He married the former Fran Van Laanen on July 12, 1952 at St. Mary's Church in Green Bay. She preceded him in death on May 6, 1994. John was an active member of the community and served on many boards and committees. He served as City Councilman for four terms and De Pere mayor for two terms, as well as Police and Fire Commissioner for many years. He was the 1969 recipient of the Civis Princips Silver Knight Award from St. Norbert College. He was past President of De Pere Kiwanis, Executive Director of the De Pere Chamber of Commerce, Advisory Board for the Salvation Army for over twenty years. Mr. Growt loved the sport of golf and was an active member and Past-President of Oneida Golf and Riding Club. John served as vice-president of Green Bay Drop Forge prior to his retirement and was the owner-manager of Temployment, and worked at Badger Wood Products, Fort Howard Steel, and Allouez Cemetery. His family includes his children Jim and Sheila Growt, Tracy and Pat Schrader, Thomas and Lori Growt, Kate and Scott Janssen, nine grandchildren, Paul and Megan Growt, Hannah DeByl, JP and Sam Schrader, Lyndzi Growt, Glennie, Murphy, Frankie Janssen, one brother, Dave and Audrey Growt, Onalaska. John is also survived by one sister-in-law, Rita Van Laanen, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Fran, one brother-in-law, Frank Van Laanen. Friends may call at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 305 North Tenth Street, De Pere from 4:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday April 15, 2010. Visitation will continue after 9:30 am Friday at St. Francis Catholic Church, 220 South Michigan Street, De Pere until time of service. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am Friday at the church with Father John H. Harper, officiating. Full military honors will be held at the conclusion of Mass. Burial will be held in Allouez Cemetery. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Growt family. In liewu of other expressions of sympathy, donations to the Fran Growt Memorial Scholorship at De Pere High School would be appreciated.