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Chase Degrote Obituary – 8/3/2016


Chasen “Chase” L. Degrote, age 16, of Fairmont, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016, as the result of a swimming accident.

He was born Feb. 11, 2000, in Amarillo, TX, the son of Jeffrey Mark Degrote and Jenifer Jean Reinke. As a young boy, Chase moved with his family to Minnesota, where he attended school in Plainview, Mankato, and most recently, Fairmont High School.

He loved sports and was active in baseball, football and swimming.

Chase was a typical teenager who loved listening to music and spending time hanging out with his friends. At home, he enjoyed playing his “annoying” music to pester his mom.

Chase and his dad enjoyed nights spent out at the dirt tracks watching stock cars race. His passion for racing was also evident when it came to NASCAR, and he looked forward to attending local demolition derbies. Chase’s downtime was spent fishing and playing video games.

Family was extremely important to Chase, and he recently mentioned that he wanted to be a paramedic when he grew up, like his older brother, Jesse. He cherished time spent with his nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Chase also loved to make people laugh, and had a wonderful sense of humor. His appetite is also something that he will be remembered for. He especially loved pizza, and had recently applied for a job at Papa Murphy’s Pizza.

Faith was also a very important part of Chase’s life. Just this past spring Chase and his dad were baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Chase was also active in attending various church youth groups in Fairmont, and enjoyed fellowship during Wednesday night church suppers.

Chase’s zest for life and love for adventure will be greatly missed by those who loved him and called him a friend.

Left to cherish his memory is his mother, Jenifer Reinke and step-dad, Cory Williams; father, Jeff Degrote and step-mom, Kim Roiger; two brothers, Jesse Degrote and Dallas Read; two sisters, Alissa Platt and her husband, Justin, and Cassi Gilland; grandparents Harm and Marilyn Degrote, and Patty Mittag; two nieces, Jaylyn Platt and Jordyn Platt; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

Chase was preceded in death by his grandpa, John Phillips; and great-grandparents, Leonard and Theresa Reinke.

The funeral service took place Monday, Aug. 8 at 1 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont, followed by interment in the Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont. There was visitation two hours prior to the service at the church.

The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Fairmont handled the arrangements; www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net.

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