1955 -
IGRA# 1064
First attended a gay rodeo in
Inducted 2023
Des was born in Essen, Germany in 1955 to Hans and Johanna Gronwald. (Some of you may remember her mom as a timer for IGRA for many years, alongside Bob Blazek, Billy Edwards, and Barb Cook.) In 1963, the family migrated to the United States from Germany to the very small town of Forgan, Oklahoma. (Population 500, including the dogs, cats, and flies.) They later relocated to Liberal, Kansas where they spent a couple of years before finally settling in Denver, Colorado.
Des has always been an athlete since her early days at Ranum High School, from which she graduated in 1973. She played basketball, volleyball and was a Colorado State Champion in track and field. She excelled in track and field, winning numerous medals in shot put, high jump and long jump. She was also a competitor in the Colorado High School Pentathlon, competing in 5 different events: High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put, 100-meter race, 220-meter race and High Hurdles.
Her love of competition and commitment to sports continued even after graduation, where Des went on to compete on a professional level in Arm Wrestling. She is a three-time World Champion and was inducted into the Arm-Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1996. She has also earned a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Karate where she fought professionally for several years.
But it wasn't until she found rodeo that it felt like HOME. Des joined the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association (CGRA), and her first Rodeo was Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo in Denver, CO. It was there that she began Steer Riding and Wild Cow Milking, partnered with International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) legend John Beck. She went on to compete for the next 20+ years, winning multiple buckles in every single event on the IGRA Circuit except Team Roping, including multiple All-Around Cowgirl Buckles. Des has also had the Honor to serve as IGRA Royalty as Ms. CGRA, Ms. IGRA and as an International IGRA Dance Champion.
Currently retired and living in Pueblo, Colorado with her wife Betty, Dee enjoys woodworking, camping, boating, and fishing.
"I am grateful to be recognized by this induction into the IGRA Hall of Fame, and to my friends and family from Rodeos across this country and Canada. Thanks for the memories."
Des Gronwald.