Diane Marie Grote GG, 70, of Braham, passed away Monday, November 18, 2013 at her home.
Diane was born Aug. 27, 1943 to parents Harold and Georgia (Hawkinson) Stone at Mrs. Birches Maternity Home in Cambridge, Minn. Born the second of four children, Diane first lived on a farm near Pauls Lake in Cambridge. The family moved to the Blaine area where Diane attended a one room school through the fourth grade. Diane enjoyed 4-H as a child and excelled in her cooking and baking projects. She also sang in a junior girls choir that traveled around Minnesota preforming. Diane attended Anoka High School, graduating in 1961 (Go Tornadoes!).
Dianes first job was at age 13, working summers through high school at the Erickson Truck Farm. After graduation, Diane took a job working at the Northwestern National Bank (the weather ball building) in downtown Minneapolis. In the summer of 1962, Diane met Nicholas Grote at a dance. The couple was united in marriage Sept. 19, 1964 at the Glen Cary Lutheran Church in Ham Lake. Diane and Nick made their home in Ham Lake and were blessed with the birth of their son, Chris in 1966. Diane worked as a bookkeeper for Unity Hospital for a short time but wanted more time at home with her family. They welcomed a daughter Nicole to the family in 1973.
In 1970, Diane and Nick moved their family to Braham and in 1972 they purchased the Braham Food Locker. Together they ran a successful business for 40 years before retiring and selling the business in June of 2012.
Diane was baptized in 1945 with her brother Michael and was later confirmed at the Glen Cary Lutheran Church. She became a member of the Braham Evangelical Lutheran Church when she and Nick moved to Braham and was active in many church groups and events.
Diane had a passion for interior decorating and enjoyed making her home a show place, as well as helping many family and friends with creative designs for their own homes. She enjoyed antiquing and taking long drives with Nick. Diane was an excellent cook and baker and loved to entertain both family and friends. She loved the North Shore whether it was a quick day trip or a long weekend. Diane enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers. Most of all, Diane loved her family. She cherished her time spent with her children and grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.
Diane is preceded in death by her parents, and nephews Roger Gillund and Andy Hemmer.
She is survived by her loving husband Nick; son Chris of East Bethel; daughter Nicole (Kelly) Johnson of Braham; grandchildren, Emilie and Nick Grote and Ethan and Sophia Johnson; sisters, Kathy (Cliff) Gillund of Ogilvie and Patty (Mark) Foster of Andover; brother Mike (Susan) Stone of Coon Rapids; sisters-in-law, Barbara (David) Hemmer of Clear Lake and Lori (Jim) Martin of Rush City; many nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.
A Funeral Service was held Saturday, November 23, 2013 at the Braham Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. Rich Chronis officiating. Music was provided by Karen Nordenstrom. Casket Bearers were Diane nephews. Honorary Casket Bearers were Dianes nieces. Memorials will be given in honor of Diane to her favorite charities.
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