Larry W. DeGrote

Obituary

Larry William DeGrote was born on December 26, 1949, in Willmar, Minnesota. He was the son of William and Edna (Vlaar) DeGrote. Larry was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clara City, Minnesota. He received his education in Clara City and was a graduate of the Clara City High School Class of 1967. Larry furthered his education at Willmar Community College.

Larry entered active military service in the United States Air Force on May 27, 1970 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and served his country during. He received an Honorable Discharge on May 24, 1974, at Grand Forks AFB in Mekinock, North Dakota, and achieved the rank of SSGT E-5.

On January 16, 1971, Larry was united in marriage to Renae Hedlof at Svea Lutheran Church in Svea, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with two children, Kristine and Erick. Larry and Renae resided in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and later moved to Hutchinson in 1974. They shared 55 years of marriage.

Larry began his career as a mechanic at Schwanke Motors in 1974. In 1987, he joined 3M, where he worked for 25 years before retiring in 2012. Following retirement, Larry and Renae cherished their trips to Maui and other parts of Hawaii. Those special vacations created many treasured memories and became some of their favorite times together. He was a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church.

Larry had a natural talent for problem-solving and was known for his mechanical abilities. He enjoyed tinkering with equipment, and tackling repair projects. A true handyman, Larry could often be found working on projects, fixing things, and putting his skills to use helping others. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

Larry passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 76 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Larry is survived by his:
Wife, Renae DeGrote of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Kristine Nurmi and her husband, Dave, of Willmar, MN,
Erick DeGrote and his wife, Ari, of Overland Park, KS;
Grandchildren, Emily Pollock, Andrew Pollock, Allyson Pollock, Axel DeGrote, Iyla DeGrote, Ainsley Nurmi, Addy Nurmi, Avery Nurmi;
Great-Grandchildren, Paisley and Dawson Pollock;
Siblings, Robert DeGrote and his wife, Alice, of Raymond, MN,
Carole DeGrote of Spicer, MN,
Audrey Ritz of Willmar, MN,
Marlene Rost and her husband, Roger, of Troy, ID;
Sisters-in-law, Leora Boyum of Golden Valley, MN,
Shirley Schneider and her husband, Floyd, of Long Lake, MN,
Mavis Thelen and her husband, Richard, of Jordan, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.

Larry is preceded in death by his Parents, William and Edna DeGrote; Mother and Father-in-law, Elsie and Joel Hedlof; Brother-in-law, Elden Ritz.