David Edward Degroat

DAVID EDWARD DEGROAT...

was born on June 28, 1950 to Edward and Rose (Swenson) DeGroat in Tyler, Minnesota. David grew up on the family farm near Russell, Minnesota. He attended Balaton elementary and high school. After school he farmed with his father for a couple years. On September 13, 1969, he was united in marriage to Darlene VanNevel at St. Dionysius Catholic Church in Tyler and to this marriage seven children were born. After trucking for local businesses for a few years, David started his own trucking company. Throughout the years he trucked with all three of his sons. He drove truck his entire life up until the fall of 2014 when his health declined. On Friday, September 18, 2015, David passed away peacefully with family by his side at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 65 years, two months, and 21 days.

David truly enjoyed helping others; whether through driving truck or farming alongside friends at planting or harvest time. He was always willing to drop his own work and do anything for another person. To pass the time he enjoyed caring for semi-trucks and welding. Spending time with his friends was a very high priority for David. His family and friends will miss his stories, his distinctive laugh, and his listening ear.

David is lovingly remembered by his seven children, Bruce (Mary) DeGroat of Balaton, Keith DeGroat of Russell, Amy (fianc, Bill Murcek) Whited of Papillion, Nebraska, Denise (Joseph) Reith of Fulda, Minnesota, Jason DeGroat of Russell, Sandra (Chad) Jensen of Balaton, and Jennifer (Dan) Fernholz of Chanhassen, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren, Sara and Morgan DeGroat, Rachel and Alexis Whited, Hope Muecke, Claire and Lincoln Reith, Emily Morris, Wyatt, Mailia, and Bailey DeGroat, and Hannah and Alivia Jensen; one sister, Darlene “Sis” Schentzel of Papillion; one niece, Stephanie Hansen of Papillion; and two nephews, Stephen Schentzel of Balaton, and Christopher Schentzel of Marshall, Minnesota. David was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Rose; and one infant brother, Edward, Jr.