Wayne L Crowe

Wayne Leroy Crowe of Grove City, MN died on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Lakeside Generations Nursing Home in Dassel, MN from complications following hip surgery.  A time of visitation will be held from 2-5 pm on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City, MN.  A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday January 29, 2024 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City, MN.  Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service at church.  

Wayne was born on January 14, 1935,  on his parent’s farm near Hartland, Minnesota. He attended District 8 Country School, Hartland Grade School, and Freeborn High School where he graduated in 1953. Following graduation, Wayne enlisted in the Army.  He completed basic training in Texas and was stationed at Fort Knox and Pittsburgh.  Following active duty, he studied and earned his bachelor degree in Animal Husbandry and minor in Agricultural Economics at the University of Minnesota.  He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and was especially proud to represent the U of MN on the Livestock Judging Team.  

Wayne  was working for Agrico and living in Worthington, when he met Nancy Larson.  They had a whirlwind courtship and married in December 1964.  Wayne, Nancy, and their children moved to Grove City in 1973.  Wayne worked at First State Bank of Grove City until his retirement in 2000.  He was active in his church, First Lutheran/Trinity Lutheran.  He served on the church council, taught Sunday School and Confirmation, sang in the choir, and participated in Trinity Visitors.  Wayne was also active in the Lion’s Club and other community groups and committees.  He was happy to help out in any way.

Wayne dreamed of owning a ranch one day, but he was content to raise his family near town and raise Registered Polled Herefords.  He was proud to have his children and others show his cattle.  He was happy to share his knowledge and support to others in the business.

Wayne enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  He was kind, generous, and loving.  He knew just what to say and how to comfort the hurting.  On the day Nancy was diagnosed with Alzheimers, he promised that he would take care of her until the end.  He did, with patience and love.  In addition to his wife, Nancy (Larson), Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Luella (Newgard) Crowe;  his father-in law and mother-in-law, Clayton and Doris Larson; brothers, Ronald and Wesley Crowe; his sisters Norma (Robinson) and Eunice (Wegner); his sisters-in law, Arlene Crowe and Paula (Larson) Halstenson; and his brothers-in-law, Mervyn Wegner, Sheldon Swenson, Jim Robinson, Jerry Halstenson, and Tom Larson.

 Wayne is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kristen and Paul Patton; son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Melonie Crowe; grandchildren, Annika, Caleb, and Elise Patton and Dillon Crowe; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Joe Solberg; sister-in-law, Jane Crowe; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

 Memorials preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City, Minnesota or Lakeside Generations in Dassel.