Stanley Vernon Groen, affectionately known to many as “Stan the Man” or “Trucker Stan,” passed away on October 1, 2026, in Bellflower, California. He was born on March 12, 1933, in Moulton Township, Minnesota. Stanley lived a long and full life, devoted to his family, his country, and the work he loved.

Stanley proudly served in the United States Army, carrying with him a strong sense of duty and determination that remained a part of who he was throughout his life.

Stanley loved to work. For 60 years, he stayed busy building businesses, driving trucks, and doing what he enjoyed most—working hard and staying productive. He was an independent and determined entrepreneur who built two businesses of his own. He began with Stan’s Catering, establishing, and operating his own catering truck route. Later, he founded DNS Express, where he worked as an owner-operator and managed a truck yard, providing parking for fellow truck drivers. Whether he was behind the wheel or taking care of business at the yard, Stanley was happiest when he was working.

To those who knew him, he was more than just a hardworking businessman or truck driver; he was “Stan the Man” or “Trucker Stan,” names that became a familiar part of who he was and the way he was remembered. Work was a big part of his identity, but it was the people in his life, especially his family, who meant the most to him.

Stanley is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Groen, and his children, Denny Groen and his wife Snookie, Cindy De Kruyf and her husband Gary, and Deanna Oliver.

He leaves behind seven grandchildren: Joshua Groen and his wife Olivia, Ryan De Kruyf and his wife Brittany, Danielle Stanard and her husband Jay, Justin De Kruyf and his wife Brianne, Brad Groen and his wife Lindsey, Jayson De Kruyf and his wife Chelsea, and Cole Oliver and his fiancée Carmelina Infante.

His 11 great-grandchildren—Bentley De Kruyf, Mayson De Kruyf, Kinsley Stanard, Grayson Groen, Samantha Groen, Dakota Stanard, Elizabeth Groen, Gunner Groen, Walker De Kruyf, Parker De Kruyf, and Cayson De Kruyf—brought another generation of love and joy into his life.

Stanley is also survived by his brothers Larry Groen and his wife Betty, Arlyn Groen, Marlyn Groen and his wife Faith, Glen Groen and his wife Annette, and Gary Groen, and his sister, Connie Gunnink and her husband Arnie. He is also survived by 37 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ana Groen; his father, Gerrit Groen; his brother, John Groen; his sister, Judy Van Wyhe; his sister-in-law, Cleone Groen; his sister-in-law, Marilyn Groen, and his brother-in-law, Elmer Van Wyhe.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Rose Hills Memorial Park on Friday, October 23, at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Cityline Church in Lakewood, led by his pastor, Ryan Pelton.

Stanley will be remembered as a man who loved his family, loved to work, and lived life on his own terms. “Stan the Man” or “Trucker Stan” will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved him.