Robert Alan Grimm

1951 - 2006

He was a husband, father, brother, uncle, godfather. Robert Alan Grimm was born the youngest of four children to Herbert and Eunice Grimm on December 11, 1951. His parents, committed Lutheran Christians, gave him a Christian education through grade school sending him to Zion Lutheran School in Anaheim. This training ingrained in him a lifelong commitment to the Christian Faith which he and his wife, Kari, passed along to their five children. It was his faith that guided him and gave him the confidence that was so evident in his life. As a teenager in Orange, California, Bob was a stand-out athlete who especially enjoyed pitching baseball and playing football for Villa Park High School. After graduating from high school, Bob attended California State University at Fullerton, and he received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in 1974. Bob was raised on his family's chicken ranch and began his farming career at the early age of 13. He worked together with his brother, Rod, to grow and sell corn on their grandparent's land in Orange County. They soon leased ground from the Irvine Company, farming 1000 acres of corn in Irvine and in the Coachella Valley around Indio. In addition to the corn business, carrots and cauliflower were added to the crops, and farming continued near San Juan Capistrano. Soon carrots prevailed and the carrot packing business was started. In 1978 he met Kari Dobson at church after he saw her singing in the choir. They were married July 19, 1980 in Zion Lutheran Church, Anaheim, the same church at which they were both confirmed. In 1983 Grimmway Farms was relocated to Bakersfield. Bob and Kari relocated their young family to the San Joaquin Valley as well. The carrot packing plant in Lamont flourished under the leadership of Bob and Rod, soon employing thousands of workers in Kern County. In 1990 Grimmway purchased Belridge Packing Company, and in 1995 purchased Mike Yurosek and Sons. As a result, Grimmway Farms became the largest carrot growing, packaging and marketing company in the world. Since the passing of his brother, Rod, in 1998, Bob has served as company president and led Grimmway into the 21 st century by acquiring King Pak Farms of Edison and Cal-Organic Farms of Lamont. Through hard work, integrity, humility and a deep respect for his employees and fellow growers, Bob commanded a special loyalty from all who worked for and with him. In turn, he earned the respect from everyone he met. He always considered himself privileged to have been able to work with the best employees and growers in the produce industry. God abundantly blessed the efforts of Bob and Rod; besides becoming the biggest private employer in Kern County, Grimmway Farms has become one of the largest growers, processors, and shippers of carrots and organic produce in the world. Because of Bob's leadership and the Grimm family's commitment, the company will continue to be a successful and driving force in Kern County and the agricultural community. Regardless of Grimmway's success, Bob remained grounded in his Christian faith, which was the cornerstone of his life and his family. The commitment to his faith was manifested through his involvement in his church, his community, and his charitable and generous contributions to many organizations including Concordia University, Irvine, St. John's Lutheran Church, Bakersfield, various seminaries, Christian schools, and many other organizations committed to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. His Christian commitment was not limited to weekend activities, but was the guiding principle from which he led Grimmway Farms. Bob and Kari brought five wonderful children into this world, and Bob was intimately involved in each of their lives; Brandon, 24; Kellie, 22; Brett, 16; Chase, 13; and David, 10. They were his pride and joy. He truly enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, Laker games, football season, sports cars, Mexicali, firing up the BBQ and just spending time with his family and friends. Besides his immediate family, Bob is survived by his two sisters, Judy and her husband Jim Meger of Orange, and Jackie and husband Norbert Oesch of Orange, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren. He is also survived by his aunt and uncle, Elayne and Paul Lohr of Riverside, and his aunt Helen Grimm of Fallbrook. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Bob Grimm Memorial Scholarship Fund for Children of Grimmway Employees, P.O. Box 81498, Bakersfield CA 93380; St. John's Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road, Bakersfield CA 93311; or Concordia University 1530 Concordia West, Irvine CA 92715. Bob will be deeply missed by countless friends and coworkers. A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Sunday, March 26, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista, Bakersfield, CA. Robert Alan Grimm Dec. 11, 1951 - Mar. 18, 2006 Greenlawn Mortuary Legacy.com