Dale R. Grott

DALE R. GROTT, 90, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 1:50 pm, Sunday, May 10, 2026 at Mercy Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

He was born to the late Stephen and Helena “Lena” (nee Bessen) Grott on June 8, 1935 in Chester, Illinois.

Dale married Alice Raav on August 25, 1956 at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester, Illinois; she preceded him in death on December 1, 2015.

He was a lifelong member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester.

Dale was a renowned master craftsman and retired construction superintendent and carpenter from Chester, Illinois. He is widely celebrated for his precision in carpentry and his lasting structural contributions to the region including the Randolph County Courthouse which he built in 1972. His work serves as a tangible part of Chester’s architectural and cultural history. His custom woodwork is on public display at locations like the Chester Public Library. Dale dedicated much of his craft to creating heirloom pieces for his children and grandchildren. For years he donated pieces to St. Mary’s Catholic School for their annual fundraising auction and to the Marines’ Toys for Tots Program. Dale carried “the brag book” in his truck and was always proud to share pictures of his woodworking pieces to friends and strangers alike.

The family would like to thank High Point Residence in Chester for their years of care and attention to dad.

Survivors:

   4 Children: 

        Deborah (Lyn) Thies Steeleville, IL

        Kimberly (Mike) Hecht Chester, IL

        Scott (Mary) Grott Wildwood, MO

        Jeffrey (Tracy) Grott Burgettstown, PA

   7 Grandchildren: 

        Kevin, Erin, Kristin, Megan, Steven, Justin and Katlyn

   8 Great-Grandchildren: 

        Ethan, Harper, Lindsey, Kellen, Gianna, Alice, Brooks and Sydney

   1 Sister: 

        Bonnie Towers Freeburg, IL

   Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends

Preceded in Death by: Parents, Wife and 5 Siblings – Kenneth Grott, Donald Grott, Emogene Cushman, Patricia Schulte and Lowell Grott

It was Dale’s wish to be cremated.

Memorial Service: 

   11:00 am, Saturday, June 6, 2026

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: 

   Fr. Sebastian Ukoh

Inurnment: 

   St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery

   Chester, Illinois

Visitation: 

   Saturday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Memorials: 

   Toys for Tots