Wilamine DeGrote

Wilamine A. DeGrote, age 83, of Willmar, passed away unexpectedly Thursday morning, Sept. 24, at her residence in Willmar.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct 1, at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery in Willmar.  There will be no reviewal or visitation.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Wilamine “Willy” Annette DeGrote was born on December 16, 1936, in Cherry County, Nebraska, the daughter of William “Bill” and Irene (McIntosch) Wiese.  She grew up on the family farm on the Little Crow Trail and attended District #62 School.  On November 27, 1953, Willy was united in marriage to Francis Eugene DeGrote.  They lived in many states with Fran’s construction work before settling on Eagle Lake in 1962 where they founded the 71 Bait Shop.  Willy enjoyed working as a volunteer at the Willmar State Hospital and Rice Memorial Hospital.  She later became a nursing assistant at Rice Care Center and Bethesda Pleasant View until her retirement.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 66 years, Francis of Willmar; four children, Sheila Thompson of Lake Lillian, Lowell (and Jill) DeGrote of Pennock, Rita (and Doug) Olson of Tucson, AZ., and Jackie Van Hove of Pennock; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Also surviving are two sisters, Carol Erickson of Sauk Rapids and Beverly Higgins of Grantsburg, WI., besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Douglas, Garrett and Bernard Wiese; and a great granddaughter, Shelby Grace Johnson.