Annie Degrote

Annie Johanna DeGrote was born October 28, 1921 in Chippewa County near Clara City, Minnesota, the daughter of Kassenus and Foska (Brummer) Aeikens. She passed away June 30, 2015 at the Clara City Care Center. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Reformed Church, and attended school in Clara City. On July 7, 1944 Annie was united in marriage to Fred DeGrote in Clara City at the Bethany Church parsonage. To this union, six children were born. They made their home and farmed north of Clara City as Annie cared for the home and children.
She enjoyed gardening, flowers, bowling, playing cards, camping and traveling on bus tours. She was active in the church quilting club and volunteered at Rice Hospital. She is survived by her children: Dianne (Orlyn) Thorsrud of Willmar; Linda (Dale) Hanson of Willmar: Eunice (Jim) Docter of Estes Park, Colorado; Mary (David) Tomes of Clara City; Charles (Cindy) DeGrote of Clara City; and Rhonda (Joel) Kidrowski of Cologne; 16 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and her sister Bernice Westendorp of Clara City. Annie was preceded in death by her husband, Fred DeGrote in 2000; parents Kassenus and Foska Aeikens; sisters: Elizabeth Dannen, and Florence Doesken; and a brother, Fred Aeikens.