Walter O. Grotz, born in Delano, Minnesota on February 10, 1925 died peacefully in his sleep on May 14, 2017 at the VA Hospital.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife Mary of 68 years; his four children, James(Lori) Grotz, Bernadette (Stephen) Goepferd, Larry (Julie) Grotz and Don (Cindy) Grotz; his six grandchildren, Angela, Leah, John, Matt, Daniel and Nathan; five great grandchildren, Sam, Theo, Jack, Eve and Gus; two siblings, Agnes Herbst and Eileen Klaers and many friends.
Walter and Mary Zeller were married June 21, 1949 in Waverly, MN.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Frances (Malok) Grotz, his step mother Ethel Grotz and brother Edwin Grotz.

Walter was a World War II veteran and prisoner of war survivor. He served in the United States Eighth Army Air Corps as a Technical Sergeant when his plane was shot down and he was captured by the Nazis. His bravery and determination helped him persevere through the Stalag Luft IV prisoner of war camp and death march. He was liberated in May 1945. He received the following awards:
Theatre Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, ETO Service Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal and POW Medal.

After returning to Delano, Walter worked at the Chevrolet garage with his father and then the Delano Post Office. He worked at the Post Office for 34 years serving 16 years as Postmaster.

Walter was inquisitive, hard-working, kind and passionate. He enjoyed fishing, wood working, traveling, playing bridge and spending time with his family. Walter spent several years doing research and sharing the benefits of oxygen therapy with his friends and community. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

Please join his family in celebrating Walter’s life with a visitation on Monday May 22, 2017 from 4:00-8:00 PM in St. Martha Hall at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 217 South 2nd Street, Delano, MN. Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday May 23 at 11:00 AM at St. Peter’s Catholic Church preceded by a 1 hour visitation in St. Martha Hall. Interment with military honors was in the Calvary Cemetery in Delano, Minnesota.