Steven Degrote
d. July 12, 2022
Steven DeGrote, age 65, of Clara City passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, after a 10 month battle with esophageal cancer surrounded by family in his home. A Celebration of Life is being planned for his birthday, September 16. Details will be forth coming.
Steven Lynn DeGrote was born on September 16, 1956 in Willmar, Minnesota. He was the son of Harm and Marilyn (Schoen) DeGrote. Steve grew up on the family farm in rural Clara City. Steven was confirmed at St. Clara Catholic Church in Clara City. He attended parochial school at St. Clara thru the 8th grade and then went to Clara City High School where he graduated in 1974.
After high school, Steve joined the National Guard and served his country until 1978. He married Jodi Peters in 1977 and they were blessed with 3 children, Sonja, Cassidy and Peter. Steve worked for different elevators in Kansas, Illinois and Minnesota before moving to Texas. He worked for Lone Star Harvester Systems before embarking on his own to build custom homes for 20+ years. Steve started racing stock cars right after high school, but in 1997 he started racing again at the 281 Speedway in Stephenville, Texas. In 2001, his son, Peter began racing with him. It was with much pride and banter that both he and Peter shared the same type of stock car, Dodge Challenger, same car number, 92 5/8 and the same Dodge Mopar paint scheme while competing and both winning championships, with Steve claiming 2 championships.
On March 21, 2006, thanks to Cassidy, Steve met Sunny Breshears, his Texas girl and they began their life together. They eventually moved back to Minnesota where Steve and Sonja owned Full Throttle bar in Clara City. Steve also hauled baby pigs, worked at Cargill and most recently drove semi with his wife and they loved traveling and working together hauling loads for Spuds One Stop.
Steve was a man of many talents, a local MacGyver for his family and friends. Not only was he intelligent and could fix anything but he also had a story to go along with it. He loved to race, sing way too loud and make people laugh. Steve could write poetry, making up goofy personal songs for his grandkids and he would break out in dance if he knew it would get an eye roll. He loved his Harley Davidson bike, camping, fishing, sitting around the camp fires and was the best boat driver for tubing. Recently he purchased a new guitar and he was relearning to play and enjoyed sharing his talent with family. Steve’s heart was filled with kindness and he always had your back. His family knows he was the best husband, Dad and absolute best PawPaw around.
Steve is survived by his wife, Sunny DeGrote of Clara City; children, Sonja, Cassidy (Chris), Peter (Kelly); grandchildren, Kaitlynn “Boo Boo,” (significant other, Ben “BenBen),” Austin “Austomonium,” Tanner “Tannerman,” Levi “Elroy,” Witten “Witti Woo;” siblings, Vicky Logue, Jeff DeGrote, Becky (Bill) Ellefloot, Lisa (David) Lindbloom, Kathy (Jeff) Davids; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends..
Steve is preceded in death by parents, Harm and Marilyn DeGrote; sister, Valerie; nephew, Chasen DeGrote.
Steven Lynn DeGrote was born on September 16, 1956 in Willmar, Minnesota. He was the son of Harm and Marilyn (Schoen) DeGrote. Steve grew up on the family farm in rural Clara City. Steven was confirmed at St. Clara Catholic Church in Clara City. He attended parochial school at St. Clara thru the 8th grade and then went to Clara City High School where he graduated in 1974.
After high school, Steve joined the National Guard and served his country until 1978. He married Jodi Peters in 1977 and they were blessed with 3 children, Sonja, Cassidy and Peter. Steve worked for different elevators in Kansas, Illinois and Minnesota before moving to Texas. He worked for Lone Star Harvester Systems before embarking on his own to build custom homes for 20+ years. Steve started racing stock cars right after high school, but in 1997 he started racing again at the 281 Speedway in Stephenville, Texas. In 2001, his son, Peter began racing with him. It was with much pride and banter that both he and Peter shared the same type of stock car, Dodge Challenger, same car number, 92 5/8 and the same Dodge Mopar paint scheme while competing and both winning championships, with Steve claiming 2 championships.
On March 21, 2006, thanks to Cassidy, Steve met Sunny Breshears, his Texas girl and they began their life together. They eventually moved back to Minnesota where Steve and Sonja owned Full Throttle bar in Clara City. Steve also hauled baby pigs, worked at Cargill and most recently drove semi with his wife and they loved traveling and working together hauling loads for Spuds One Stop.
Steve was a man of many talents, a local MacGyver for his family and friends. Not only was he intelligent and could fix anything but he also had a story to go along with it. He loved to race, sing way too loud and make people laugh. Steve could write poetry, making up goofy personal songs for his grandkids and he would break out in dance if he knew it would get an eye roll. He loved his Harley Davidson bike, camping, fishing, sitting around the camp fires and was the best boat driver for tubing. Recently he purchased a new guitar and he was relearning to play and enjoyed sharing his talent with family. Steve’s heart was filled with kindness and he always had your back. His family knows he was the best husband, Dad and absolute best PawPaw around.
Steve is survived by his wife, Sunny DeGrote of Clara City; children, Sonja, Cassidy (Chris), Peter (Kelly); grandchildren, Kaitlynn “Boo Boo,” (significant other, Ben “BenBen),” Austin “Austomonium,” Tanner “Tannerman,” Levi “Elroy,” Witten “Witti Woo;” siblings, Vicky Logue, Jeff DeGrote, Becky (Bill) Ellefloot, Lisa (David) Lindbloom, Kathy (Jeff) Davids; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends..
Steve is preceded in death by parents, Harm and Marilyn DeGrote; sister, Valerie; nephew, Chasen DeGrote.
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