Brian J. Grott, 70, Sturgeon Lake, died suddenly on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at his home.  He was born on December 21, 1947 in Indianapolis, Indiana to James and Jane Grott.  He grew up in Indiana where he graduated from high school.  Brian attended Bemidji State University where he attained his bachelor's degree in Education in 1971.  It was at Bemidji State that Brian learned his love to hunt and fish.  Brian started student teaching in Warren, MN and had his first teaching job at Willow River School.  He continued his teaching career in several cities including, Moose Lake, Barnum, Becker, Robbinsdale, and lastly at Sandberg Middle School in Golden Valley.  He was an art teacher, coach, and worked as an alcohol and drug counselor during his career.  While teaching art at the middle school, Brian taught "Carving with Kids".  He taught the kids to carve miniature geese, fish, or a bird.  After having their kids create a carving, parents would make sure their other children would get him as a teacher so that they would get another carving as a keepsake.  Brian obtained his master's degree during his educational journey.  He also loved wood carving, knife making, travel & adventure, and spending time with his grandkids.  Brian was a member of the MN Decoy Waterfowl & Carving Club.  His wood carving began in September 1987 when he carved two miniature geese while with his son in the hospital.  This hobby brought out his artistic abilities as he received a World Championship for a unique commissioned sculpture of a hand carved wood cock and a 2 ^nd Place for Shorebirds and Wading Birds "Best in Category" at the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition.  Brian will be remembered for being very caring, compassionate, and friendly; always taking the time to talk to others.  Brian was fearless and willing to take that step out of the comfort zone to do new things as he lived life to the fullest.

He was preceded in death by his mom, Martha Jane Grott.

Brian will be lovingly remembered by his father, James T. Grott of Pharr, TX; three children: Eric (Lori) Grott of Rogers; Jason (Cheri) Grott of Kettle River; and Amy (Corey) Wemple of Big Lake; their mother: Cathy Grott of Monticello; grandchildren: Sydney, Hannah, Benjamin, Ivy, Iris, Jillian, Braedyn, and Dani; and his companion: Patricia Zempel.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 26, 2018 at 2 PM in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake with a Gathering of Family and Friends one hour prior to the service.  Lunch and fellowship will follow the service at the funeral home.

Personalized arrangements were provided by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.