Willis J. Grochow

Willis John Grochow, 87, resident of Warren, MN for 63 years, died peacefully with his family by his side at Sanford Hospital, Fargo, ND, on Monday, May 29, 2023.

Willis John Grochow was born on October 9, 1935, in Argyle, MN, the son of William and Ethel (Pechie) Grochow. He was baptized in Immanuel Lutheran Church of Radium on Oct. 20 of that year and was confirmed on Sept. 24, 1950. He worked on his family farm growing up, milking cows, tending to the fields, animals and chopping wood, living a simple life He enjoyed, one of his favorite toys was a bicycle he had to share with his 5 brothers. He attended country school near Argyle and farmed with his parents and worked construction. In his teen years, Willis' fondest memories were going to Dances, hanging out with friends, chasing girls and having a “Charlie Brown Christmas.” 

On June 27, 1959, Willis was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janice Olson, in Bethlehem Lutheran of Newfolden. They lived in Newfolden for a brief time before settling in Warren where they would live the next 63 years of their marriage and raise three children; Wayne, Jeffrey, and Jennifer.

He worked for a number of area farmers and was a Concrete foremen. Working at various Construction companies:  Fillipi Const., Elmer C. Johnson, David Horgen, the Hillmans and Petersons, Baukal, Witcher, Sorenson, and Opp Construction Companies, Loeslie Farms, Phillip Olson, and Earl Swanson. Also Working as a custodian and grounds keeper at Bremer Bank and as a trustee and janitor at Zion Lutheran Church.

Willis enjoyed many hobbies including growing vegetables and flowers in his gardens, spending time at Florian Park (where he was honored as the park “King”), and another favorite was going to Lake of the Woods. He liked going uptown and having coffee with his buddies, swapping stories and cracking jokes, and playing practical Jokes on friends and relatives. He loved deer hunting, fishing, playing cards or games but appreciated those times he was able to spend with family and friends. He enjoyed the simple things in life, like He loved spending time with his family visiting and just being together meant the most to him, He Loved the holidays best. Willis cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, appreciating every chance he got to attend a school activity, functions, such as recently attending his last grandchild's graduation last week. He was so proud of them all and adored and loved them all.

In addition to his loving wife of 63 years, Janice, Willis is survived by two of his children, Jeffrey Grochow, and Jennifer (Robert) Audette; daughter-in-law, Karen Boushey; grandchildren, Kyle (fiancee, Ashley) Grochow, Alexander Audette, Andrew (fiancee, Rachel Peterson) Audette, Alyssa (Nik) Joseph, and Ava (Mason Bring) Audette; great-grandchildren, Jaclynn, Ryker, Vaya, Paxton; brother, Cal Grochow; sisters-in-laws, Millie Everson, Shirley Grochow, and Marge Olson; brother-in-law Jerry(Darlene) Olson; Godchildren, Jackie Przybylski, and Brenda Jevne; and many nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Wayne; his parents; brothers, George, William II (Lenora), Donald, and Leo (Barbara) Grochow; sister, Eileen Horejsh-Larson; and sisters-in-law, Mavis Haglund and Sandra Grochow and brother-in-law James Olson. Godchildren Traci Olson and Randy Haglund.

His memory will remain in the hearts of his loved ones and continues to stand in the buildings made by his hands with Concrete throughout the communities.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, June 2, 2023, at 2:30 PM, in Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Warren.
A RECORDING MAY BE FOUND HERE: Willis Grochow Funeral Service
VISITATION: One hour prior, at the church.
INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery, Warren, MN.