Walter "Wally" DeGroot

Walter “Wally” A. DeGroot, 92 year old resident of Little Falls, MN passed away Saturday, December 12, 2015 at the Legends at Heritage Place in Sartell, MN with his family at his side. Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, with a lunch following at the VFW in Little Falls. Visitation starting at 10:30 AM on Saturday. Walter Albert DeGroot (Wally) was born on September 23, 1923. He was the fourth son of Arthur and Mary (Roos) DeGroot in Brooton, MN. His siblings; William, John, Garrett and Catherine also resided on the family farm in Brooton. The family moved to a farm in Belgrade, MN where he was a young lad active in farm chores. At the age of 23, Wally met the love of his life in Spicer, MN at the local roller rink. Wally married Celia (daughter of Jerrie and LuLa Bidwell) on September 3, 1947. The family moved to Wells, MN where Wally became one of the top sales representatives with Watkins Products. They had their first child, LuAnn (Hohneke) in Albert Lea, MN in 1948. Then in 1949, Wally moved his family to Willmar, MN where Wally worked for the Skelley gas and service station. This was yet another great year for Wally as he became the father of his second child, Linda (Robert Larson). In 1950, Walter was able to advance himself to yet another job with much better working conditions at the Amonson and Evans Chevrolet Sales and Garage. In 1952, Wally had his last daughter whom he called his "boy" from birth; LaNae (Espelien) (aka Butchie). Wally had bought a home in Spicer, MN for his family on Green Lake. Everything was going as planned up until Amonson & Evans closed their doors in 1959. Walter then became employed with Kuefler Nash-Rambler dealership in Little Falls, MN where he worked long days but spent lonely nights in his car at Pine Grove Park in Little Falls, MN. Later on in time Wally spent nights in the basement of the future home he purchased for his family. Every Friday, Wally returned home to Spicer to spend time with his family. In 1960, the family moved to Little Falls but the city life was not for them. In 1961,Wally moved his family to a small hobby farm just south of Camp Ripley. The little hobby farm produced an abundance of variety of vegetables, fruits and meats for the family’s survival. In 1965, a son was added to the family; Rickie (Ginnie) was adopted; thus making the DeGroot family complete. When the Kuefler Nash-Rambler closed it's doors in 1965, Walter became employed with Sanitary Dairy as a route deliveryman. In 1966, Walter then became employed with Standard Parts/Napa in Little Falls, as a machinist until his retirement. Wally was a proud man who always provided for his family at all times. After the flood of 1972, Wally decided to move his family into town where he resided until his death. As the girls became adults and left to live their own lives; Wally and Celia became foster parents to children and later to adults. Wally found this to be very rewarding to provide a loving home for all involved. Upon his retirement from Napa Wally went to worked at EEI as a driver for the morning and afternoon routes. Wally also was a Volunteer driver for Morrison County for 30 years and had also did Volunteer Currier service for St Gabriel’s Hospital for 40 years. The last four years that Wally lived at home he enjoyed watching many nature programs as he was an avid animal lover and of course, wrestling. Wally also loved watching The Price is Right. (he would watch the first 5 minutes/nap time/wake-up for the Big show case!). During his lifetime, Wally was a Boy Scout Leader, President of the Heartland Polka Club, a foster parent and an Elder/Deacon of the Presbyterian Church of Randall, MN. Wally truly enjoyed RV camping with his beloved wife, Cel. Wally and Cel also did a yearly trip to Branson, MO., they enjoyed 15 wonderful years of doing this yearly trip. Wally loved dancing, putting puzzles together to mount onto wood as well as listening to country music. Wally also loved cardboard games with his family and friends. Walter is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Celia of Little Falls; daughters, LuAnn of WI., Linda of Willmar, LaNae of Little Falls and son, Rickie of MI. 7 grandchildren, Janet, Julie, Lee, Jay, Todd, Krista and Luke. 8 great-grandchildren. 4 dear close friends, Arnold Wheeler, Alan Hohneke, Jerry Martinson and Bill Johnson; Also Wally's cocker spaniel, Blondie, who he loved dearly. Wally is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary; siblings, William, John, Garrett and Catherine; in-laws, Jerrie and LuLa Bidwell; 3 grandchildren; Tina, Chad and Justin. Wally had requested a private family burial be held at the Randall City Cemetery next to his two grandsons; Chad and Justin. Memorials are preferred to the Randall Presbyterian Church.

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Walter "Wally" DeGroot

September 23, 1923 - December 12, 2015