Karen Alice (Lands) Grote

Karen Grote, 65, wife of Lee Grote Jr., passed away on July 15, 2020, in San Antonio, Texas.

Viewing will be at Brenham Memorial Chapel on Monday, July 20, 2020, from 8:00 am until rosary begins at 7:00 pm. The family appreciates your love and support, but due to COVID-19 concerns, the family requests that if you have been feeling unwell, please refrain from attending the services. The family requests that a mask or face covering be worn if you will be attending.

Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church will be private, restricted to family. You are invited to tune in to the livestream that will be made available on the Facebook page for St. Mary’s Catholic Church, beginning at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 21, 2020. Father Jay Polisetty will officiate. Karen will be laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Brenham.

Karen Alice Lands was born on September 30, 1954 in Brenham, to parents Thurman and Mary Dean (Schoppe) Lands. Karen and her sister Patricia grew up in Schulenberg and later moved to Bellville. Karen attended Bellville High School.

Karen’s mutual friend introduced her to future husband Lee Grote, Jr. at a dance in Round Top. They began dating soon after, and have been sweethearts ever since. On October 7, 1972, Karen and Lee were united in marriage at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Bellville. Karen and Lee enjoyed spending time together, going to dances and bazaars at area catholic churches, and the VFW. Karen was a faithful catholic and a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Karen and Lee were blessed with two children, Lee III and Melanie. The family made their home in Brenham. Karen completed Blinn College’s LVN program in 1979, and had a long career in nursing. She was employed nursing homes in the Brenham area, and also had various other nursing positions in her career.

When Karen’s health declined, she relocated to San Antonio to become a resident of Golden Estates Rehabilitation Center, where son Lee III is administrator. Karen and her husband spoke on the phone nearly every day, and she would always express how much she missed being home. Although she missed her Brenham home, she made herself content at her new home. She did enjoy making friends with the fellow residents. She would write birthday cards for everyone and enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with her friends. Karen loved music, and enjoyed playing the drums with other residents during their activities and jam sessions. She also enjoyed visiting with and encouraging her caregivers.

Karen is survived by husband Lee Grote Jr.; son Lee Grote III of San Antonio; sister Patricia Bean and Larry Bean of Bryan; sister-in-law Judy Grote; sister-in-law Angie Kwiatkowski and husband Raymond, all of Brenham; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and beloved fur baby Lacey Jane.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, daughter Melanie, parents-in-law Lee Sr. and Pearlie Grote, brother-in-law Alex Grote, and nephew Kevin Kwiatkowski.

Honorary Pallbearers will be William Grote, Amanda Grote Dismukes, Amanda Janovsky, Christopher Janovsky, Nicole Kwitkowski Harris, Ron Haren and Loretta Haren, Randy Haverlah, and the residents of Golden Estates Rehabilitation Center.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Wesam Aziz and the entire Golden Estates Rehabilitation staff for the exceptional care Karen received.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Calvary Catholic Cemetery fund at St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Acts Hope Ministry (Attention: The Grote Memorial, Acts of Hope Center, 8011 Misty Park, San Antonio, TX 78250)

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer, Brenham, TX, 77833. 979.836.3611 Tributes may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com