Born on November 2, 1951, in Greensburg, IN to the late Leonard and Hilda (Mauer) Grote, he was the youngest of six boys and older brother to his sister, Mary Ann, who died at a young age. He attended Sandusky school in his younger years and was a graduate of North Decatur Jr-Sr. High School. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Power of the Past.
For those that knew him you would often find him in jovial fashion with a smile on his face, a plug of Red Man tobacco in his cheek, wearing a Minneapolis Moline or Dodge Ram hat on his head.
Most of his life he enjoyed the vocation of farming. From the time he was little, to graduating from high school, he spent his hours collaborating with his father, Leonard, and working on the family farm on State Road 3. He didn’t know a stranger and always welcomed anyone who would stop by and see him, usually offering them a cold beer and a seat to stay and visit. His passion found its derivative in the joy of agriculture: taking care of livestock, working on tractors with his brother Gilbert, baling with his brother Marvin, taking time to talk to neighbors in the spring while plowing fields, to being a part of the infancy stages and development of the Power of the Past. He could be found at the "POP" year after year, most likely overseeing the threshing of wheat, driving the water wagons around on his Minneapolis Moline tractors, enjoying a ride on a steam engine, and helping manage the student mentoring program. His love for old ways of farming could never be denied as his friend’s circle grew exponentially and he learned more about steam engines and antique equipment. He continued in the pursuit of preservation of the past by instilling that same love into his grandson Blaine, also lovingly known as “Digger”.
Vince is survived by his wife, Michelle; four brothers; Gene (Elaine) Grote, John (Mary) Grote, Gary (Linda) Grote, and Marvin Grote; five children, Jenny (Ryan) Maddux; Chad (Trinity) Grote; Anna Grote; Melissa (Bill) Rabideau and Corrie (Brian) Boehnlein and grandchildren Blaine Schroeder, Kaden Schroeder, Kellen Nolen, Aubrey Grote, Ethan Nolen, Katherine Maddux, Elsie Rabideau, Lucy Rabideau, Billy Rabideau, Jonny Rabideau, Liam Boehnlein and Jase Boehnlein.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Grote; mother, Hilda Grote; brother, Gilbert Grote; sister, Mary Ann Grote; and daughter-in-law Jennifer Grote.
Family and Friends are invited to pray the Rosary on Friday, June 28th at 9:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. An informal reception will follow until the time of the funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Father John Meyer will be officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at German American Bank, in memory of Vince Grote to be put towards future projects at the Power of the Past. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com
