NICHOLAS GROTE

Nicholas Allen Grote "Nick", of Braham, passed away on Sunday, November 12th, 2023 at the Cambridge Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was 83 years old.

Nick was born to William and Mildred (Kosik) Grote, on September 26th 1940, in Pine City, Minnesota. Nick, the oldest of three children, grew up on the family farm in Greeley. He graduated from Rush City High School in 1958.  While in school Nick played football and FFA basketball.   In his youth, Nick worked on the family farm and surrounding farms.  After high school he worked at the Braham Food Locker, Johnsville Processing Plant, and worked in the construction field.

In the summer of 1962, Nick met Diane Stone at a dance in Stark. The couple was united in marriage on September 19th,1964 at Glen Cary Lutheran Church in Ham Lake. Nick and Diane made their home in Ham Lake and were blessed with the birth of their son, Chris.

In 1970, Nick and Diane moved their family to Braham  and became members of Braham Evangelical Lutheran Church where they were both active members. In 1972 they purchased the Braham Food Locker. Soon after, they were blessed with their daughter, Nicole. Together they ran the Locker for the next 40 years, while enjoying being a part of the business community, getting to know their customers, employing countless young people, and making life long friends before retiring and selling the business in June of 2012.

Nick took great pride serving.  He was a member of the National Guard for 16.5 years, a member of the Braham Masonic Lodge and a member of the Braham Volunteer Fire Department for 24 years, and as Chief for 16 years.

Nick had a love for the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing. He enjoyed gardening and tending to his yard; he always made sure his bird feeders were full. Nick loved going for long drives looking for wildlife and stopping to say hello to friends along the way. Nick enjoyed being a Braham Bomber fan, supporting from the stands, getting to know the younger generation and helping at the annual football hog roast.  Most of all, Nick loved his family. He treasured the time he spent with his children and his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.

Nick is preceded in death by his parents; older twin brothers William and Francis Grote; wife Diane; brothers-in-law, Jim Martin and Mike Stone; nephews, Roger Gillund and Andy Hemmer.

He is survived by his son Chris of Grasston; daughter Nicole (Kelly) Johnson of Braham; grandchildren, Emilie (Ian) Grote, Nick Grote, Ethan Johnson, and Sophia Johnson; sisters, Barbara (David) Hemmer and Lori Martin; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Cliff) Gillund, Patty (Mark) Foster, and Susan Stone; many nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 1:00-3:00 pm on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at the Braham Event Center with a Memorial Service at 3:00 pm with  Pastor Julie Beck officiating.  

Memorials are preferred to the Braham Fire Dept or the Braham Area Education Foundation. 

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