Dede Thayer DeGrote

Dede DeGrote born May 31, 1933 as DeLoris Mae Thayer in Litchfield, Meeker County, Minnesota to Andrew E. Thayer and Palma L Wicklander Thayer who then resided in Kandiyohi, Minnesota. She legally changed her name to Dede in July of 1995. Baptized on July 23, 1933 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Kandiyohi, MN. Attended Atwater, MN, school first grade and District 55 near Svea, MN grades 2-8. Confirmed on June 22, 1947 at Svea Lutheran Church. Attended Willmar Jr/Sr High school graduating with honors June 2, 1951. Attended Anoka-Ramsey Community College. She worked as a dental lab technician at Willmar Dental Lab for three years. Married Dale Harm DeGrote on February 7, 1954 at Bethel Lutheran Church, Willmar, MN. To this marriage three children were born: Pamela Mae, Sept. 10, 1955; Michael Dale, July 13, 1957; Angela Mari, June 11, 1960. She has lived at 10437 Jay Street NW, Coon Rapids, MN since December 31, 1962. Active at Faith Lutheran church, Girl Scouts, VFW Auxiliary 9625, Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, Unity Church, Fridley Convalescent home. Lover of all living things especially children, birds and squirrels and other animals. Employed for five years by Anoka-Hennepin District #11 as a paraprofessional in science in the Environmental Mobile Lab and Blaine Senior High School. "The trouble with life is you're halfway through before you realize it's a do-it-yourself project." This profound thought came to Dede at the age of 53 when she began to celebrate life through the arts: internationally published author of poems and articles. Researched and ·published the Richard Thayer genealogy for 1500-1990. Entertained as the Rainbow Butterfly singing and playing the keyboard and as the Uncommon Loon standup comedy. Sang and acted in the New Fogey Follies and acted in the film "Elderly Uprising" both in 1994. Had the lead in "Every Little Crook and Nanny" as Lillie in 1996. In the film "Floating in Thought" she had the lead as Grandma with Alzheimer's disease. Preceded in death by beloved husband, best friend, and soul mate, Dale, in 2010; father, Andrew in 1978; mother, Palma in 1973; and brother George in 1966. Survived by daughters, Pamela and Angela, son Michael and his children: Shannon and Shane.

Tributes

Dede Thayer DeGrote

May 31, 1933 - November 18, 2024

Tributes

Dede Thayer DeGrote

May 31, 1933 - November 18, 2024

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