Agnes E. “Aggie” DeGross, 84
Agnes E. “Aggie” DeGross, age 84, of New Prague, died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Friday, December 9, 2022 at her home at Praha Village in New Prague. Aggie was born on June 21, 1938 in New Market Township to Alois and Susan (Friedges) Wagner. She attended St. Nicholas Catholic School where she first met the young man who captured her heart. On September 13, 1958 she and Ronald L. DeGross were married at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in New Market. Tragedy would strike this young couple with Ron’s untimely death at age 42, thrusting Aggie into raising her six children on her own. Nothing was daunting for her, a characteristic that followed her throughout her life. Aggie took on the challenge, learning new skills as needed. She helped on the farm when her husband was alive, took on the books of the business when that was needed, and eventually worked as a baker at Queen of Peace Hospital for over 20 years.
Aggie approached everything else in a similar fashion. Her naturally gregarious personality saw her involved in all aspects of life. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, with attendance at daily Mass and the recitation of a daily rosary. She was an active member of St. Patrick Church and showed her love through food, whether it was with her family her church, or community. She loved canning, quilting and sewing, watching baseball and football, and was an avid card player, but also open to playing any game, from dice to cards to board games. She was game for just about any activity, including bowling and golf leagues. Her family was always her first priority and no task was too great; she did a large part of the painting and staining for her children as they built their homes. She was the first grandmother in line for any activity in which the grandchildren were involved and always had a special treat for them when the activity was done. Family gatherings brought great joy to Aggie as it allowed her to spend time with extended family, whom she loved dearly. Her infectious spirit and positive attitude will be sorely missed by her children and grandchildren and all who knew her.
Aggie is survived by her daughter, Maureen (Roland) Ryan of South Haven; sons, Ralph (Brenda) of New Prague, Jim( Kelley) of Elko, Mike (Katie) of New Prague, Greg (Tisha) of Rapid City, SD, Kevin (Lisa) of Elko; grandchildren, Hayden, Mason, Rachel (Austin Teague), Danny, Amanda, Laura, Hannah, Levi, Kyden, Ian, & Audrey; great-grandchildren, Rayshon & Rasheem; brother, Ralph Wagner of New Market; sister-in-law, Eileen Wagner of Prior Lake. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald on March 19, 1978; infant son, Aloysious; brothers, John, Wilfred, & Mike Wagner; sisters, Genny Roach, Laura Ryan, & Bernice Devine.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick of Cedar Lake Catholic Church in rural Jordan with Father Michael Miller officiating. Mass will be live-streamed. Visitation will take place on Tuesday from 4-7 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home and on Wednesday morning from 10-11 at church. Burial will occur in the church cemetery followed by lunch in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Patrick of Cedar Lake Church, Praha Village, or Minnesota Hospice.
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