Robert Leroy DeGrote

Robert Leroy DeGrote, 88, of Raymond, died Monday, August 10 at his home in Raymond. His memorial service will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, August 15 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clara City. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar.

Robert “Bob” DeGrote was born on February 19, 1938, to William and Edna (Vlaar) DeGrote in Raymond. He grew up on the family farm outside of Raymond and attended country school in Clara City before graduating from Clara City High School in 1961. Following high school, Bob entered the U.S. Army Reserves.

On September 26, 1970, Bob was united in marriage to Alice Walquist at the Presbyterian Church in Spicer. They made their home on the family farm near Raymond, where they raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Angela.

Bob farmed his entire life and took great pride in carrying on the family farm and caring for the land. After selling the land, he continued his love of farming by working for the Erickson family. About seven years ago, Bob and Alice moved to town, but he continued helping out on the farm until retiring a couple of years ago.

Family was very important to Bob, and he took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He had a special bond with his grandchildren. When his daughter adopted her son, Bennett, Bob was the one who could always make him smile and stop his crying. Bob especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and his nephew, Alan, taking them on tractor and lawnmower rides.

Bob is survived by his wife, Alice of Raymond; daughters, Jennifer (Dennis) Neuberger of Grove City and Angela (Mike) Huizel of Rosemount; grandchildren, Bennett Neuberger, Chase Huizel, and Parker Huizel; siblings, Carole DeGrote, Audrey Ritz, and Marlene (Roger) Rost; and sisters-in-law, Renae DeGrote and Judith Braeger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Edna; brother, Larry DeGrote; brother-in-law, Elden Ritz and nephew, Alan Brunsberg.

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