Darrell D. Grotjohn

Darrell D. Grotjohn, age 91, of Watertown, SD, formerly of Hayti, SD, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at a local care center.  Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Hayti Lutheran Church in Hayti, SD.  Rev. Randy Eisenbeisz will officiate. 

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Thursday. 

Burial will be at Grandview Cemetery, Gary, SD.  Military graveside honors will be conducted by Post #109 of the Gary American Legion, and the Military Funeral Honors Team of the SD Army National Guard.  Active pallbearers will be Derick Ross, Dustin Ross, Dana Engels, Blaine Marlow II, Brayden Ross, Jayden Ross, and Camden Ross.

Darrell was born on May 10, 1934, to Harley and Anna (Olson) Grotjohn on a farm near Gary, SD.  He grew up on the family farm, helping his family milk cows, feed the pigs, and during the harvest season.

In 1951, Darrell graduated from Canby High School and he worked for local farmers.  On December 11, 1956, he joined the United States Army serving his country until his honorable discharge in 1959.  Darrell then starting working at Great Plains in Brookings serving the role as manager. 

In September of 1961, Darrell met the love of his life Ruth Ward and they were united in marriage on April 15, 1963.  To this union, the couple raised three children, Richard, Pam, and Kelly.  In 1964, the family moved to Huron while Darrell worked at Jewel Tea.  In 1966, the family moved back to Brookings, and then Hayti in 1969 where Darrell managed the lumber yard.  In 1983, he became the manager of the liquor store and doing carpenter work in the community until his retirement.  In 2017, Darrell moved to Watertown to be closer to his family. 

Darrell was a member of the Mason’s, Hayti American Legion, Shriner’s, Hayti Volunteer Fire Department, volunteered serving senior meals, and started making grandpa cookies. 

Darrell is survived by his daughters, Pam (Scott) Ross and Kelly (Blaine) Marlow, of Watertown; four grandchildren, Derick (Bridget) Ross, Dustin (Casee) Ross, Dana (Brent) Engels, and Blaine Marlow II (fiancée Emma Polchow); three great-grandchildren, Brayden, Jayden, and Camden Ross; one sister, Betty Gallagher; one brother, Roger (Marybeth) Grotjohn; and many nieces and newphews.

Darrell was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; one son, Richard; his parents; one brother Leslie; and three sisters, Elaine, Iola, and Shirley.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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