Donald Grode

Mass of Christian Burial for Donald Grode, 100, will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 16th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.  Father Greg Tschakert will officiate.  Services will be broadcast live on GDILIVE.COM and will also be broadcast on GDIRADIO at 89.3 FM, available within 1 mile of Groton.  Burial with military honors will follow in the Bristol Cemetery under the direction of Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton.

Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 5-6:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. 

Donald passed away August 10, 2022 at Sun Dial Manor in Bristol.

Donald was born on May 2, 1922 to Joseph and Emma (Nolte) Grode in Bristol.  He attended country school near Bristol.  Don began helping on the family farm at an early age and also worked for several neighbors.  On February 7, 1944 he was united in marriage to M. Eileen Taylor at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Bristol.  Donald was drafted into the Army the following year and served until his honorable discharge in August of 1946.  He returned home and began farming on his own.  Don was very proud of his farming life.  He enjoyed keeping an eye on his crops, raising cattle and loved a drive out and around on country roads sharing memories about the old homesteads and neighbors.

Donald was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and later at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.  He was a proud WWII veteran with his trip on the Honor Flight being a highlight of his life.  He also belonged to the Lily American Legion. In addition, Don served his community as a Director of SD Wheat Growers, a Committeeman for ASC in Day County and Valley Township board member.  He loved fishing and hunting, traveling, gardening and card playing.  Don was also an avid Twins fan.  Celebrating his 100th birthday with a community party was a proud milestone and he often referred to it as his going away party.

Celebrating his life are his children; Donna (Bryon) Davis of Punta Gorda, FL, Patricia (Randy) Hurd of Mankato, MN, Bruce Grode of Canton, Mark Grode of Titusville, FL, Julie (Michael) Best of Sioux Falls, Sheila (Chad) Hartman of Sioux Falls, 20 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife in 1990, two children, Stephen and Deborah, his grandson, Ryan Grode, two brothers, Richard and Robert Grode, sister, Marge Warrington and one infant sister.

Casketbearers will be Scott Hammerbacher, Brad Barondeau, Clint Bauch, Ross Grode, Andy Grode, Chris Lucero, Greg Best and Eric Hartman.

Memorials may be directed to Sun Dial Manor, Midwest Honor Flight or to the charity of your choice.

www.paetznick-garness.com

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