Stanley Moerner Grote was born May 2, 1927, at the F.A. Grote Family Ranch Home some four miles south of Mason. Father and Mother were Fritz A. Grote and Lillie Moerner Grote. Being born into the Grote Family included a strict and very Religious and Traditional German Family Heritage. Stanley spoke only German until he began school in Art- that school district being one of the traditional "one room schoolhouses" that were scattered all- across Mason County. Transferring into the Mason Schools several years later, Stanley graduated from Mason High in 1945.

Stanley's Grand Father- F.A. Grote Senior- served in the Confederacy during the Civil War. His Father- F.A. Grote Junior- served in France during World War One. Following the Grote Family Tradition of Military Service- after graduating from Mason High School- Stanley immediately enlisted directly into the U.S. Army. During his extended period of Military Service- he promoted to and served with the rank of Master Sergeant at several duty stations. This included two full winters in Alaska being stationed at Ladd Army Airfield in Fairbanks. His fluent German speaking skills resulted in an extended stay at Fort Sill, Oklahoma- where a very large German Prisoner of War Camp was situated. "Those German POWs were the very best- behaved personnel, glad to be alive" Stanley always said.

Prior to leaving Mason for the US Army, Stanley had "become acquainted" with what became the Love of His Life- Patsy Ruth Loeffler. During his stint in Fairbanks, he and Patsy wrote letters to each other on an ever- increasing frequency. As Stanley was reared within a Farming and Ranching Family- he quickly took note of the long growing seasons in Alaska. "We could raise potatoes and everything else, and they are giving away free land" he wrote. Patsy immediately wrote back that "if you want to have anything to do with me- you better get back to Texas." Stanley very wisely took Patsy's comments as Gospel!

Patsy Ruth Loeffler and Stanley Moerner Grote were married in 1948. From that marriage came two sons: Stanley Craig Grote and Don Kent Grote. It is with greatest pride within this Family that both Mothers- that of Stanley and Patsy- Grand Mothers to Craig and Don- were both daughters of Methodist Ministers who served Mason County Methodist congregations. The Grote Family has continued the very valuable and strong Christian discipline in the rearing of their two sons- Craig and Don- and passing along these same traditions to their grandchildren as well. Stanley and Patsy were eventually blessed with three grandchildren and now three great- grandchildren.

Stanley and Patsy continued the Grote Family tradition of ranching- raising Hereford and later Angus- cross cattle. In addition to his ranching heritage- Stanley also worked in several positions with various employment opportunities in Mason County. Stanley had a knack for automotive expertise and especially enjoyed all things related to that community of interest. After working there for many years, he retired from Eckert Equipment and Ford Motor Company in 1992. Stanley and Patsy continued their ranching interests for many more years- never fully "retiring" from their Life's Work together- until Patsy passed away on April 3 ^rd , 2002.

Stanley was blessed with the privilege and freedom of living on his own until just the last few weeks of his life. He constantly enjoyed those very special visits with Family and Friends, as well as "checking the cattle" as often as possible with Don.

Stanley Moerner Grote passed away on June 7 ^th 2019, at the age of 92. He had just recently celebrated his latest Milestone Birthday on May 2 ^nd , 2019 with a quiet visit and meal together with Family and Friends. At the time of his passing he was surrounded by all his loving Family at his side.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents- Fritz and Lillie Grote; a Sister- Bernice Pearl Grote; Father and Mother-in-Law- Milton and Flora Belle Loeffler; Brother-in-Law Kenneth Loeffler; Sister-in-Law Leola Grote- as well as his wife of Fifty-Four Years- Patsy Ruth Loeffler Grote.

Stanley is survived by his two Sons and their Families- Craig and wife Patti of Mason; Bryan and Brandi Grote of Weatherford; and Sheri, Tim and Ella Wheeler of Mason. Also- Don and wife Pattie of Mason; and Ginny, Cliff, Emmett and Amelia Barlow of Austin, Texas.

Stanley is also survived by a brother- Walton Grote and Family, and Sister-in-Law Carolyn Loeffler and Family.

As well as many Very Special Friends and Acquaintances- way too many to mention. Stanley and Patsy's favorite Supper Club Group- whose numbers continue to dwindle- has always been especially appreciated by Stanley and Patsy as the years have gone by.

The Family of Stanley Moerner Grote wishes to express their sincerest appreciation to the Hill Country Preferred Senior Care LLC of Mason and their wonderful Doctors and Nurses. Also, to the Hill Country Memorial Hospital Hospice Unit of Fredericksburg and their equally wonderful staff of Doctors and Nurses. As well as a final tribute to the Windcrest Care Center of Fredericksburg- for their wonderful caring and professional assistance for Stanley in his last few hours.

Please consider Memorials in Honor of Stanley and Patsy Grote to: The First United Methodist Church in Mason, or to the Charity of your choice.

Visitation with the family will be Monday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Mason. Interment will follow in the Gooch Cemetery.