Raymond Groskreutz

Raymond Herman Groskreutz, age 84, passed away on December 5, 2023, at his winter home in Mission, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 with a visitation one hour prior at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023 from 4-7 at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home.

Raymond Herman Groskreutz was born September 4, 1939, to Raymond and Helen Groskreutz in Litchfield, MN.  Ray graduated from Litchfield Senior High in 1957.  On September 24, 1960, he married the love of his life, Darlene Rittgers.

Ray worked for Meeker Cooperative Light & Power for 34 years, retiring in 1999.  After retirement he drove for the Council on Aging for 17 years. He was also a member of the Litchfield Rescue Squad for 20 years.

In the winter time Ray and Darlene spent 20 years at W & I Resort in Mission, Texas where you would find him in the swimming pool in the afternoon and playing bean bags. He enjoyed square dancing  and country western dances. At 1:00 you would find him in his recliner watching polka music on TV.  You could also find him dancing around the kitchen with anyone who would dance with him.    Ray’s hobbies included camping, fishing,  dancing & playing cards.  Ray and Darlene belonged to the Happy Ramblers Camping Club for many years.  He took pride in his John Deere tractor and loved mowing the lawn, snow blowing and garden tilling.  He would always say that their dog Molly was Darlene’s, but those who knew him, knew he loved that dog and enjoyed when she would sit by him in the recliner.

Ray will forever be remembered for his ability to talk to anyone he met.  He told his life story to anyone who would listen. 

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Darlene Groskreutz, and their dog Molly.  His children Brian Groskreutz (Brenda) of Kearney, NE, Randy Groskreutz (Pam) of Hutchinson, MN and Beth Bakeberg  of Albany, MN.  He is also survived by his sisters Donna Gilsrud, Darlene Carlson and brother Robert Groskreutz.  Grandchildren Brice Groskreutz (Jill), Sara Groskreutz, Breck Groskreutz (Shelby), Brylee Groskreutz, Shelby Groskreutz, Erin Groskreutz, Brandt Groskreutz. along with several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Helen Groskreutz, his sister Shirley and his brother Richard.