Gary R. Grote, age 76, of Sioux Rapids, Iowa, died Friday, July 20, 2007, at Spencer Municipal Hospital in Spencer, Iowa.

Memorial services for Mr. Grote will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 23, 2007 at the First United Church in Sioux Rapids, with Reverend Leila Prince officiating. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to service time.

Gary Randall Grote, the son of Floyd and Ruth (Crick) Grote, was born on June 15, 1931 in Sioux Rapids, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed in the United Methodist Church at Sioux Rapids. He maintained his life-long membership as an active member of the First United Church in Sioux Rapids. Gary attended and graduated from Cornell High School in 1949.

On January 28, 1953, Gary was united in marriage to Wanda Henley in Jackson, Minnesota. They were blessed with five children: Rebecca, Scott, Michelle, David and Deanna. Gary was engaged in farming for much of his life. Later, he worked for Ranco Industries in Sioux Rapids.

Throughout his lifetime, Gary found much enjoyment in hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors. He took much pride in living a simple life and finding pleasure in the little things. Above all, Gary loved his family and friends and cherished the time he spent with them. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Those who will always cherish his memory include his wife of 54 years, Wanda of Sioux Rapids; his five children: Rebecca Burke and her husband Bill of Des Moines, Iowa, Scott Grote of Linn Grove, Iowa, Michelle Morgan and her husband Don of Chillicothe, Ohio, David Grote and his wife Katie of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Deanna Hempfling and her husband Allan of Omaha, Nebraska; ten grandchildren; two great grandchildren; other extended relatives and many friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents.