Larry Grooters
Larry “Buck” Grooters, 87, Fargo, ND died on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 at his home.
Larry Leighton Grooters was born March 12, 1935 at Camp Crook, SD to George and Leone Grooters. He grew up in small towns in North Dakota following the travel of his dad being in education as a teacher and administrator. Larry, known to many as “Buck” graduated from Bowden High School and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Valley City Teachers College in 1957. Larry married Hazel Ussatis on Aug. 18, 1957 in Valley City.
He continued his education in Colorado where he earned his Master’s degree in Physical Education. He taught school and coached in Casselton and Dickinson, ND. In 1963, he returned to Valley City State University as a teacher and coach of track and field, cross country and assistant basketball and football. In 1971, he earned his Doctorate degree in Education from the University of North Dakota. In 1981, Larry was named chair of the Division of Education at VCSU. He semi-retired in 2005, but continued to be a Director of Transition to Teaching Consultant at VCSU. Larry and Hazel moved to Fargo in December of 2012.
Larry took pride in being part of the VCSU community. He was awarded several honors throughout his professional career including: VSCU Hall of Fame, VCSU Distinguished Alumni Award and VCSU Coaches Hall of Fame, along with being inducted into the ND Officials Hall of Fame. Buck was an avid runner; participating in countless road races and completing over 10 marathons, most notably the Boston Marathon. He enjoyed Bible studies, gardening, fishing and visiting with people, he always wanted to know where everyone was from. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with and supporting his children and grandchildren. Larry and Hazel also loved summers with family at Lake Ida near Alexandria, MN.
Buck is survived by three daughters, Kim (Roger) Lipetzky, Karla (Torrey) Callies, Kristi (Chris) Stuber; daughter-in-law, Robin (Lance) Freier; 8 grandchildren, Anna (Grant) Bowker, Lane (Tyler) Lipetzky Swenson, Ellie (Esley) Thorton and Brooke (fiancé Andy Young) Grooters, Lukas (Alli) Davison, Cole Callies, Emma and Alexis Stuber; four great grandchildren, Lilly and Frannie Bowker, Esley Thorton Jr. and Hayes Young; and his sisters, Bev Ferrell, Lynne Irvine, and Susan Flanagan; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel, of 61 years and a son, Greg; and brothers, Roger and Gary.
Memorials are preferred to the Larry Grooters Scholarship Fund at Valley City State University.
Visitation: Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.
Funeral: Friday, Jan. 20, 2023 at 1 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN with visitation one hour prior.
Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.
West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center, westfuneralhome.com