William Grotluschen

William Grotluschen, 98, of Breckenridge, MN, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16th, 2026, at Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge. His visitation will be on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 5-7 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM, at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home in Breckenridge, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Kent, MN, at 11 am, with visitation one hour before the service. Interment will be at a later date.

William Francis Grotluschen, lovingly known as Bill, was born on August 6, 1927, in NansenTownship near Colfax, North Dakota, to Charles and Anna (Keppars) Grotluschen. From the very beginning, Bill carried with him a quiet strength, a gentle spirit, and a deep love for family that would define his life.

On September 17, 1950, Bill married the love of his life, Mildred Mishak, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Kent, Minnesota. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, devotion, and family. After living in Wahpeton, North Dakota, they settled in the Kent area. Bill worked for Wahpeton Construction, farmed, and later worked for M&M Construction, Gast Construction, and the Wilkin County Highway Department. A gifted crane and heavy equipment operator, Bill took great pride in his work and was honored to help build the Bois de Sioux Golf Course- one of the many lasting marks he left on the community.

While Bill was respected for his skills and work ethic, he was cherished most for the way he loved. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren beyond measure. He was always eager to hold a new baby, cradling them with tenderness, and could sit contentedly for hours watching little ones play at his feet. Gentle, sweet, and kind, Bill’s warm smile had a way of lighting up his whole face and an entire room.

After Mildred’s passing on January 14, 2004, Bill continued to carry her in his heart. With quiet strength and devotion, he honored her life by caring for both the farm and the family they had spent years building together.

Bill found joy working in his garden, happily toiling away in the sun, and he never let a visitor leave without offering up the treasures of his garden. He was a constant and devoted presence at the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making every effort to attend games, performances, and events whenever possible, even when mobility became more challenging.

One of Bill’s favorite times of year was Christmas, when the entire family gathered. He could be seen beaming from ear to ear as he watched his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren celebrate around him. Those moments, filled with laughter, love, and togetherness, meant everything to him.

Later in life, he moved to Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge, where his friendly, kind nature shone through. Bill could strike up a conversation with anyone and made friends quickly and easily. He loved his Twin Town Villa family.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Stephanie (Merrill) Miranowski of Breckenridge and Helen Zajac (Larry) of Wahpeton; his sons, Robert Grotluschen, James (Nancy) Grotluschen, both of Kent, and Greg Heitkamp of Abercrombie; 33 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. His legacy of love lives on through each of them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Anna; his beloved wife, Mildred; his daughter, Carolyn Grotluschen; daughter-in-law, Patty Grotluschen; brothers, Matt and John; sister, Martha Berndt; and sister-in-law, Joan Heitkamp.

Bill will be remembered for his gentle heart, steady presence, and unwavering love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and quiet joy that will be carried forward for generations.