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Carlos August Grote, born August 10, 1916, was the first of nine children. He grew up on the family ranch between Johnson City and Willow City, just inside the Blanco County line. He attended Big Flat School near the ranch, and later lived in Fredericksburg with his grandmother in order to graduate from Fredericksburg High School. Carlos played with the FFA Band in school, and later played accordion with a group that performed at dances in the area. He served about a year in the Army before his father obtained a hardship discharge. With three other sons in the military, his father needed Carlos’ help at the ranch.

In September 1945 he married Eugenia Schmidt of Fredericksburg and they built their own home on his part of the family ranch, using rock he quarried on the land. He operated the ranch almost 60 years and was active in the Blanco County Farm Bureau, the Blanco County Soil & Conservation District, and the Blanco County Fair Association. He was a Volunteer Fireman with the Willow City Fire Department. Carlos was active in the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, where he served on the Administrative Board and was active in the Youth Ministry for many years. He and his wife enjoyed dancing to German music and followed their favorite bands, even to Germany with the Cloverleafs. After retiring, they traveled often with the Good Sam Travel Club. He enjoyed a good game of dominoes. Carlos was a quiet man who touched many lives with his generous spirit and ready helping hands.

He was admired and beloved by his children and spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carlos was predeceased by a sister, Julie; and brothers, Frederick Grote and Ernest Grote. He is survived by his wife, Eugenia, of Fredericksburg; his son, Charles Grote and wife, Debbey, of Dripping Springs; his daughter, Patricia Hauptrief and husband, Larry, of Johnson City; brothers Richard Grote, Robert Grote and wife, Irene; and sister Louise Whetstone and husband, Raymond, all of Fredericksburg; brother Herbert Grote and wife, Beatrice, of Johnson City; and sister Helen Hanks and husband, Bruce, of Marble Falls; four grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 20th, in the chapel of Fredericksburg Funeral Home with Rev. Jason Fry & Rev. Colleen Haley officiating. Graveside services with military honors provided Louis Rech fiollowed in Der Stadt Friedhof.

Serving as pallbearers were Mark Sells, Dave McKallie, Heath Kyzar, Jeff Castle, Glen Grote, Fred Grote & Scott Grote.

Memorials may be made to Fredericksburg United Methodist Chuech Foundation, Willow City VFD, Hill Country Memorial Hospital, Hill Country Memorial Hopspice or the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be left at www.fredericksburg-funerals.com Arrangements under the direction of Fredericksburg Funeral Home.