Luther Grotte

Luther Orlin Grotte, 88, of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Fergus Falls.

Luther was born April 11, 1925 to Christian and Selma (Haugen) Grotte in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith. Luther attended school in Fergus Falls, graduating in 1943 from Washington High School. On July 26, 1949, he married Elaine Freitag at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis.

After graduating from high school, Luther was a surveyor at Otter Tail Power Company until he entered the military in 1945. He served in the United States Army on active duty until 1946 at which time he served in the United States Army Reserve. He remained in the Army Reserves until 1962, being recalled to active duty during the Korean War. Luther reenlisted in the United States Army Reserves again in 1974 and served until his retirement from the military in 1985. Luther returned to Otter Tail Power Company after completing active duty. During his employment with Otter Tail Power Company, he completed a correspondence study course in Civil Engineering. Luther held many
positions during his career with Otter Tail Power and retired as Manager of Special Engineering Services in 1987.

Because of Luther’s strong belief of community and country service, he was involved in many organizations during his lifetime. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and served as Post Commander and 9th District Public Relations Director. As an adult, he was active with the Boy Scouts of America. His accomplishments including starting the first Explorer Troop in Fergus Falls and designing the old mess hall at Camp Wilderness. Luther received the Silver Beaver Award for all his work in scouting. Luther was active in the Methodist Church, serving on various boards throughout the years. He was also a member of the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Posse from 1980-1988 and prior to that was a Special Deputy in forensic photography. Luther was also involved with the Otter Tail County Historical Society and enjoyed researching and giving lectures on the Red River Valley Oxcart Trail.

While at Otter Tail Power Company, Luther’s unique talents had him involved in projects such as designing the commercial areas of the Fergus Falls Holiday Inn including the swimming pool in the shape of Minnesota in 1969. Luther’s best kept secret was the suspension bridge he designed for Pelican Rapids to connect the two parks. He took on the project when approached for the task because it was reported “it could not be done”, however, someone suggested Luther because “Luther could design and build anything”.

Luther loved renovating his house, enjoyed a good challenge and working on the impossible. Luther’s attitude was “you start it, you finish it and do it right”. He enjoyed target shooting, reading and playing the organ. Luther especially loved seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife Elaine; in-laws Mabel and Albert Freitag; brother, Clifford, as an infant; two sisters, Vivian Bergerud and Sylvia Bergerud; half-brother Theodore Knutson; two brother-in-laws, Kenneth Otto and Chester Bergerud.

Luther is survived by his four children, Cheryl Grotte, Linda (Steve) Frendin, Pamela (David) Iverson and Charles (Laurie) Grotte, all of Fergus Falls; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren with one on the way, Ramin (Lilla) and their children Eva and Margo Narimani; Ana (Richard) Cole and their children Gabriella, Montgomery and Evangeline Cole; Micah (Marie) Narimani and their children Enzo and Elsa Narimani and Galilee Albertson; Kristopher (Tabitha) Iverson and their children Laura and Addison Iverson; Michael (Lisa) Iverson and their children Emily, Olivia and Nicholas Iverson; Adam (Erin) Iverson and their children Levi and Maci Iverson; Zachary Iverson (Amber Langton), Charles Iverson, Geoffrey Iverson, William Iverson, Samuel Iverson, Amy (Christopher) Lundin and their daughter Lucy; Matti Grotte; sister-in-law, Nona (Earl) Gulliford of Buffalo, Minnesota; brother-in-law, James Bergerud of Fergus Falls; along with numerous nieces and nephews.


Visitation: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, January 20, 2014 at Grace United Methodist Church, Fergus Falls
Service : 1 p.m. Monday, January 20, 2014 at Grace United Methodist Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Wesley Gabel
Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and American Legion #30
Interment Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls