"Oh Adam Ant I never ever imagined this sad ending to your life! I fell in love with you when you were a baby! I couldn't wait to spend time with you I even skipped school to see you. I baby sat you a lot in those younger years and although I lost track of you you were always in my heart. I know you are safe and probally in great grandma Forts loving arms. RIP my young cousin you will be truly missed!!"
In loving memory of
Adam Tylor Fort-Grote
January 16, 1984 - October 18, 2015
WINONA
Adam Tylor Fort-Grote, 31 of Winona, was murdered on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at his home.
Adam was born January 16, 1984 in Winona to John Michael Grote and Lynn Marie Fort. He graduated from Winona Senior High School in 2002 and studied Computer Science at Southeast Technical College. He worked as a machine operator at Watkins and also taught piano lessons for many years.
Gentle, kind, honest, and mellow are just a few words that describe Adam. He was a talented musician and enjoyed playing the piano and bass guitar. Adam also played in several bands over the years. One of them, Tendril, included band mates Gary, Bobby, and Ryan.
He is survived by his parents, Lynn Fort and John Grote of Winona; daughter, Aria (6); son, Sebastian (1); brother, Benjamin Grote; paternal grandparents, John and Rosemary Grote; maternal grandparents, Diane and Robert Anderson and David and Carol Fort; aunts and uncles, Lisa (Jeff) Benter, Lori Fort, Janine Grote, Jodi Grote, Julie Grote, Jane (Bob) Bartz, and James (Kristan) Grote; several cousins, including Brandy Salisbury; and many friends, including, Morgan Matteson, Evan Glenna, Kent, Brent, and Greg.
A prayer service will begin at 4pm, Monday, October 26, 2015 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview led by Pastor Joe McConkey of Pleasant Valley Church. A visitation with refreshments will continue until 7pm.
Please share a memory of Adam with his family and view his video tribute at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/641282
Tributes
"The news of what happened is just too painful, even for someone that has not been present in Adam's life for so long. I met Adam during my senior year in WSHS, back in 2001/2002. I was a teenager, a stranger miles away from home. I was scared. Adam was the best thing that happened during that year. He was a friend, he was a brother, he was my anchor during though times. I remember walking to his home after school, listening to him playing piano, spending hours talking. Adam was special and I think he had the greatest gift: he made others feel truly special. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and his friends.Ciao Adam, buon viaggio."
"Adam, you were my neighbor for many years growing up in Winona. I will always remember running over to your house with my brother, Nick and playing in the yard and video games in the basement. You were like another brother to me in those years. Always kind, generous, and happy. I am in shock by what has happened and am truly saddened. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your wonderful family. Rest in peace."
"Adam, We were best friends for many years. Often inseperable in middle school and very close through high school. Many of our shared memories form the basis of my adolescence. You helped broker my first kiss. You took me with you to visit your cousins and see my first rock concert (The Smashing Pumpkins). We were on soccer teams together, and I tagged along to many of your hockey games. As teenagers we spent endless hours pondering our existence and dicussing our social philosophies on life. As young adults we expanded our minds and partied hard. Without you I never would have came out of my shell. I never had to entertain you. It was always ok to be me around you. You were, and will always be, the most welcoming and truly accepting individuals I've ever met. I am so sorry they did this to you. The world is a better place having had you in it. I will never forget you."
"Adam,When I was young there were a lot of things working against me but when I moved to my old house on 7th street everything changed. Your grandparents welcomed me into your house and introduced me to you, my new best friend. Your relatives treated me like a family member and I have many fond memories of fun times with you, your parents, your aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. We did so many great things together and had many adventures. After high school we went on our own separate paths but I still thought of you often and wanted what was best for you. Your tragic passing truly hurts me but I know now that you are in a better place. Rest in peace my friend."
"I have been your neighbor for a couple of years, you have been one of the nicest people i have met in this town,and will miss you dearly. You have one of the biggest hearts i have ever met you never turn people away when they needed help or just someone to talk to. You always had a smile for everyone that came through your door. My dog Coco misses you like crazy, he sits in front of your door and just cries and scratches he misses his buddy.We love you Adam and will miss you, you will always have a place in our hearts. God Bless You And may the Lord hold you tight in his arms you are one special person."
"I can not believe this happened to you, You were such an amazing person.. I remember growing up with you down the street, I also remember working with you at watkins. You didnt deserve this at all. My heart will always be with you, I pray that you are welcomed and protected in god arms. May peace always be with you and your family."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family . My memories of Adam fall back to the fun times and laughs of Sundays at Faith Assembly of God church christmas plays were we always had a good laugh creating bloopers. Always had bible trivia at sunday school in which Bob Bolland would take us to Mcdonalds afterwards if we got the trivia correct along with spitball competitions to see how far we could send it and many years of playing softball for fun during youth group. Adam always had a positive attitude and a smile on his face. Extremely talented musician. The past few summers i was fortunate to meet his children and introduce him to my family were we would visit and catchup laughing about the fun times we had as kids over a nice bondfire. You are greatly missed my friend however ill see you again when its my turn to come home may the lord bless you and your family in these tough times and heal there pain while you move on to meet the lord Jesus and wait for us to arive and catchup once again."
"I am so saddened for the inexcusable loss of Adam. Growing up we were inseparable neighbor kids. I have so many found memories of him and his family. He was so kind, generous, respectful and loving. I pray for you and your beautiful family."
"I first met Adam in sixth grade. We were in orchestra together and he was also my first boyfriend. Even after our relationship ended we remained friends. I felt a piece of my heart die after hearing of this horrible circumstance. You were such a good person and friend with an amazing and caring heart. I am so thankful for the opportunity to know you as I did and have the memories and pictures of the good times. My thoughts are with your family as they find the strength to help each other through this. Thank you for the good memories. You will be dearly missed my friend."
"I first met you in highschool Adam, you were a freshman and I was a senior. We met through a physics class that we both shared a witty hatred for. We became really good friends even with our small age gap in a highschool setting. I invited you to come along with me on my graduation trip, which was a 1 week get-a-way to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with my grandfather guiding us. I will never forget that trip my friend! I hope you are in as beautiful of a place now as we were during that week!! You will be missed by many people Adam, but you will always live forever in the stories we all have that involved your presence! R.I.P. my friend!"
"Adam,I can't believe this happened to you. I am sending prayers to your family..Dear Lord,please be with Adam's family. Tenderly hold them in your arms and bring them comfort. We know how much you love us and your mysteries are something we don't understand. I ask you Lord,help us to understand. Amen"