Gerald "Jerry" DeGrote

Gerald L. DeGrote, age 74, of Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, formerly of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with dementia.

Jerry was born on March 15, 1952, in Edgerton, Minnesota, to Henry and Caroline (Schelhaas) DeGrote. He was one of four children and enjoyed a wonderful small-town upbringing, spending his summers working on local farms and making memories that stayed with him throughout his life. He graduated from Edgerton High School before attending college in Alexandria, Minnesota, where he studied accounting.

Following school, Jerry moved to St. Paul and began his career with AgriBank, where he worked for many years. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Kitty. The two were married in 1982 and blended their families, with Kitty bringing her sons, Craig and Chad, Jerry bringing his children, Jeff and Sarah, and together welcoming their son, Vincent.

Jerry loved spending time outdoors and enjoyed camping, boating, biking, canoe trips to the Boundary Waters, playing cards, and cooking for family and friends. He was a talented and mechanical man who could fix just about anything and even enjoyed sewing. He was also an active member of St. Philip's Lutheran Church, where he faithfully served in leadership roles, including president and treasurer.

Above all else, Jerry’s greatest joy was his family. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him, and he treasured every opportunity to be together. He and Kitty also shared a love of travel, creating countless memories over the years. After retiring from AgriBank and working a variety of jobs, they enjoyed spending winters in Bushnell, Florida, and summers in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

Jerry was a hardworking and easygoing man who was always willing to help others. He taught his children by example, showing them how to do things instead of simply telling them. He loved spending time with his family, and around the house, whenever Kitty asked him to do something, his response was almost always, "Yes, dear."

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Kitty; his children, Craig (Michelle) Beissel, Chad (Becky) Beissel, Vincent (Jessica) DeGrote, Jeff (Tracy) DeGrote, and Sarah (Nick) Dreher; his grandchildren, Kaylee, Mackenzie, Blake, Trey, Ellie, Grace, Izaak, Molly, Annie, Stephanie, Tyler, Austin, Maddy, Grace, and Sami; his special pet, Kristy; his siblings, Darla (Loren) Winkelhorst, Beth DeGrote, and Sharon DeGrote; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Caroline (Schelhaas) DeGrote, and his parents-in-law, Irvin and Therese Siebenaler.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to St. Croix Hospice and the staff at Endeavors in Balsam Lake for the compassionate care and friendship they provided Jerry during his journey.

A Celebration of Life for Jerry will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St., Hastings, Minnesota, with a visitation from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. A light reception will be available throughout the visitation and service time.