The memorial service for Percy Grote, 101, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, will be 11:00am, Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Jeff Whillock officiating. Burial at Riverside Memorial Cemetery at 9:30am with Military honors by Sidney L. Smith American Legion Post 24.
Visitation will be one hour prior.
Percy W. Grote, 101, passed away peacefully on November 7th at Bethesda Home in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He lived a long and full life, surrounded by family, friends, and a community of people who cared deeply about him. Percy will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his love of family, his many friendships, and his zest for life.
Percy was born April 9, 1925, to Lester and Dena Grote of Aberdeen. Following his graduation from Central High School, he enlisted in the Army and left for basic training. He was accepted into the Army Air Corps where he trained to become a pilot. After graduating from advanced fighter pilot training, he prepared to be sent to the war in the Pacific. During training, Percy received a 10-day leave to return to Aberdeen where he married Dorothy Mae Moe of Bath, South Dakota, on October 24, 1944. Dorothy later moved to California to be near Percy as he continued training.
At the end of the war, Percy and Dorothy returned to Aberdeen and had two children, David and Peggy. He found employment at Martin-Edwards Automobile Dealership repairing damaged cars. In 1961, Percy and his brother Neil opened their own auto repair business, Grote Brothers Body Shop. The business was very successful for 26 years. Percy sold the business in 1987.
His love of golf also led him to volunteer his time managing the restoration of Moccasin Creek Golf Course. Percy and Dorothy built their very first home at Prairiewood along hole #10. Percy spent countless hours planting trees, watering plants, and maintaining the grass. Later, he became a member of Lee Park, where he continued golfing for many years. When he could no longer play, he still loved riding in the cart and watching his family and close friend Narin Hermenson play.
During retirement, Percy enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, and golfing. He also found great enjoyment in building model airplanes out of balsa wood, using photographs for inspiration or creating his own designs. Many of his planes found homes all across America.
Percy was a wonderful dad, brother, grandpa, great-grandpa, great-great-grandpa, uncle, and friend. He had an amazing memory and loved sharing stories about his life and people he had met. He was always ready with a joke, and he truly possessed the perseverance to never quit at anything.
Percy had the best hugs in the world and gave many to all the staff that took wonderful care of him these last years. He was an inspiration to so many people. He appreciated the people around him and made special connections wherever he went.
Percy is survived by his son, David (Nancy) Grote of South Carolina, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy; his daughter, Peggy Locken; his brothers, Neil and Harlyn Grote; and his sisters, Louan Overbust and Alecia (Lisa) Bean.