James Grotheer

Jim was born on January 15, 1941, in Wadena, Minnesota, to Claus and Louise (Freitag) Grotheer. He was baptized into the Christian faith on February 2, 1941, and confirmed on April 3, 1955, both at Trinity Lutheran Church in Deer Creek—a place that remains central throughout his life.

A proud graduate of Deer Creek High School with the class of 1959, Jim went on to earn a degree in Automotive Technology from the Wahpeton State School of Science. On October 3, 1964, Jim was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carol Ann Koep, at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Henning. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with devotion, hard work, and faith, raising four children along the way.

Jim’s career journey began at McKee’s Transport in Minneapolis, later taking him and his young family to Hastings where he works for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. In 1972, Jim and Carol returned to their roots in Deer Creek. Two years later, he purchased his family’s farm, where he balanced a life of dairy and crop farming while continuing his passion for auto mechanics. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Jim later pursued and earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Moorhead State in 1988. He worked at Eaton until his retirement in 2003, when he and Carol returned once again to Deer Creek to enjoy their retirement years.

Jim was a man of steady faith, quiet strength, and enduring curiosity. He was a longtime member of the Deer Creek Lions Club and would often be found working on puzzles, reading through tractor catalogs, or adding to his collection of tractor memorabilia. A lifelong enthusiast of 1955 Chevrolets and a master of Sudoku, Jim appreciated the details that made life unique.

James “Jim” David Grotheer, age 84, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at his home in Battle Lake, Minnesota, surrounded by the love of his family.

Above all, Jim cherished his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Carol; his children: Timothy (Carol) Grotheer of Roseville, MN, Richard (Linda) Grotheer of New York Mills, MN, Brenda (Dean) Wegscheid of New York Mills, MN, and Scott (Amy) Grotheer of Deer Creek, MN; his sister, Susan Lundgren of White Bear Lake, MN; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on through the generations he nurtures and loves.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and one brother-in-law. In honor of a life lived with purpose, kindness, and faith—Jim is dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Deer Creek, Minnesota.

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