Floyd DeGroat

Floyd Vernon DeGroat, 75, of Ogema, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, surrounded by family.

Floyd was born on May 24, 1943, in White Earth, MN, to Floyd and Eleanor DeGroat.  He was raised on a farm in Ogema and attended Waubun School.  After High school, Floyd worked various jobs and was a volunteer fire fighter prior to joining his brothers at Giant Foods in Maryland. Upon moving out east, Floyd met and married Anna; together they had three children: Jesse, Annette and Tina.

On November 21, 1967, Floyd was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served in Vietnam.  Floyd received multiple injuries during combat and was flown to Japan for recovery.  With shrapnel in his leg and a bullet in his back, Floyd returned to Vietnam to complete his tour of duty.  For his bravery, valor and heroic acts, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal, Vietnam Campaign Metal with Device 60, Good Conduct Medal, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Floyd was grateful to return home to his family and career at Giant Foods.  He was married to June and welcomed a daughter, Floretta. He soon discovered his love of playing and coaching softball.

In 1986, Floyd married Patricia and became a loving step-father to her young daughters, Michelle and Jennifer. They later moved to Pennsylvania, and had four children: Dawn, Krissy, Floyd Tyler and John. He enjoyed boating on the Chesapeake Bay and family vacations to Minnesota.

After 33 years of service, Floyd retired early at the age of 55 and was able to fulfill his dream of moving his family to his hometown of Ogema, MN.

Floyd had the biggest heart and loved helping others.  Whether he was farming, blowing snow, chopping firewood or cutting grass, he loved to stay busy.  His passions in life included: hunting, fishing, shooting pool, riding motorcycle, playing guitar, singing, dancing and being with his family.

He will be remembered for his smile, his generosity and the love he had for his children.

Deeply loved, Floyd’s passing is mourned by his children: Jesse DeGroat, Annette DeGroat-McVearry, Tina (Tim) Pickeral, Floretta DeGroat, Michelle Tinsley, Jennifer Mosher, Dawn (Mark) Racine, Krissy (Derick) Hukriede, Floyd (Heidi) DeGroat, John (Alexandra) DeGroat; twenty-six grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, countless relatives, close friends and his dog, Charlie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Eleanor; six brothers: Glenn, Donald, Clarence, Harry, Willard, and Johnny DeGroat; his sister, Clarene Wright and his wife Patricia.