Jeffrey Grote

Mr. Jeffrey Grote, age 82, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2023. Jeffrey was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, on August 23, 1940, to the late Russell H. Grote and Fern Margaret Burger Grote. He was married to Judith Marie Grote for fifty-four (54) years and lovingly called her his beloved bride. Judith preceded Jeff in death in 2017.

Mr. Grote was a past member of the Dahlonega Baptist Church and the Faith Lutheran Church in Cleveland, GA. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and also lovingly known as “Pops” by many throughout the community of Dahlonega.

Jeffrey graduated from Valparaiso University in Indiana, earning his B.A. degree in 1962. He also received his J.D. from the University of Georgia in 1982 and was a member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia. Jeffrey also served with distinction and honor in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Grote’s professional career was spent primarily in Information Technology (IT) with various significant corporations including Digital Equipment, Equifax, and the American Cancer Society. He also worked with other smaller organizations as well as helping with start-ups. As an attorney, he used his expertise in his business career as well as handled pro bono work with the poor and underserved and with families desiring placements and adoptions. His love of bringing people together as a family was one of his greatest passions.

He was a member of the Fourlanders Contest Team W4NH of Ham Radio, enjoying many hours with his fellow operators. It brought together his love for people and technology. In memory and honor of their dear friend, they retired his ham radio number at his passing.

In his personal life, Jeffrey had an infectious smile and a great love for life, his Lord, his family, his friends, and his country. It was evident in the way he lived his life. There was no stranger who could not soon be a friend. He had an impact on so many lives. He loved the people of his community in Dahlonega and the beauty of the North Georgia mountains. He loved sharing about both of them and was well known for his jovial storytelling.

Jeffrey is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Sherry Grote, Marietta; daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Lee Carpenter, Cleveland; son and daughter-in-law, David and Linda Grote, Celina TN; daughter and son-in-law Jessica and Kevin McFadden, Gainesville; daughter Blair Grote, Dahlonega; son Gabriel Grote, Dahlonega; daughter and son-in-law Wren and Jason Camp, Alpharetta; brother and sister-in-law Curt and Kathy Grote, Gainesville FL; grandchildren Jonathan Grote, Lexi Grote, Peggy Lou Grote, Douglas Grote, Natalie Nesmith, Kaleigh Nesmith, Morgan McFadden, Ashton McFadden, and Landon McFadden; Nephew and nieces Nicholas Elliott, Maddie Elliott, Shael Morgan, Faun Carlson.

Information on his upcoming Memorial Service will be posted in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Jeffrey’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, Research Program, OR to the support of a Children’s Adoption organization of your choice.