John Rodney Grubb

23 March 2009
Dear Dale and Family
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Our condolences to you and your family. I had the honor and privledge of serving under Radm Grubb while stationed at Redcom 16 from 82-85. Not only was he my Commanding Officer but he also became my friend. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

We just heard about the passing away of Admiral Grubb and wanted to extend our sympathy to Dale and family. We served with him on staff at Redcom 16 and we truly admired and enjoyed being with him. Len was very fortunate to have Admiral Grubb be his guest speaker at his Navy Retirement ceremony on 7 Dec 1991. We have many fond memories of times spent with both Dale & Rod aboard the "yacht", thank you for sharing your lives with us.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear John and family,

I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I remember him as the ultimate gentleman and always so charming.

Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Linda (Gabriel), Bill and Bobby White

I am so saddened to learn of Rodney's death. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, etc and I enjoyed our many visits over the years. I will miss him and I know his loss creates a huge void in your family. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Dear Dale and Family,
I was saddened to recently hear of Admiral Grubb's passing. My condolences to your family. His impact and legacy abound throughout the country, as he served as my Blue and Gold officer and now my son is also at USNA (class of '10). As a naive high schooler who had never been on a plane before departing for Annapolis, I had no idea what I was getting into, yet he assured us that it was the right thing to do. I am still serving today in the Navy Reserves, and owe it to him for the direction he gave.
-Brad Gawboy, CAPT, USN,USNA 81

Dear Dale and family,

I was saddened to hear of John's passing and offer you my deepest sympathy. I wrestled with your son on the WESAC team that Jim Simonson Coached. It was John (sr) that first suggested I go to the Naval Academy. I still remember the conversation; John was admirable in his disposition toward young people. I indeed went to USNA and graduated in 1981. That set the trajectory and tenor for my entire adult life. I'm a civillian now, married and living in Seattle, with a daughter of my own about to graduate from college. I owe John a debt of gratitude.

I'm sorry for your loss and will hold you up in my prayers.

Thinking of you John during this difficult time.

Dear Dale and family
I was saddened to hear about Rod's passing.Over 20 years ago my late husband Mike and I started the Minnesota Chapter of the Naval Academy Parents' Club which our son John (Class of '85) attended. Rod was the Club's mentor and always there for all of us in his usual gracious manner. He was the epitomy of a Naval officer and a gentleman to all who knew him. As I was going through our photo albums recently, there are several photos of Rod at various events and I will cherish the memories of the years we knew him. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

Johnathan,
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Renee Villella

Adm Grubb was a man of compassion whose support for vets in need will be greatly missed.

Richard Ballintine, Col, USAF (ret)
Treasurer, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans

Dear Dale and family,

We were so sorry to hear about Rodney. He was a good man and will be greatly missed! He will live on in your children and grand-children whom he loved so much. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. With much love, Becky & David Riddle, Lizzie & Jake Vittetow

Dear Grubb Family,
The Admiral was one of the finest Officers I ever served with in the Navy. He was a man that always took care of his men, and they never forgot him and his compassion for them. God's speed and you will be missed.

Tom Schuveiller PR1 USNR-RET

I saw Rodney about a month ago at Nancy's house and he looked well. We had a great conversation about family. He was a wonderful, loving, giving man. We'll miss him.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Grubb family.

Dale, Paul, Parker and Julian
I was so very sorry to hear about Rodney.
My thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days to come.
Kyle Skibbe

Dear Dale,

Rod exemplied "Service Above Self" and Rotary's Four Way Test of one's actions and intent to be truthful and benefit all concerned.

Together you extended the warmth of Rotary through Fireside Chat's at your beautiful family home. My husband and I were guests two years ago. We enjoyed your hospitality and Rod's sharing the stories of your home.

Our sympathy to you and to your family.

Sandra and Norbert Krebsbach
Mendota Heights

Dear Dale and Family,

Irene and I were truly saddened to learn of Rod's passing and send you and yours our heartfelt condolences.

Rod will be missed; his kind and gentle spirit, selfless dedication to service, and his sterling leadership have been an inspiration to all of us. It was an honor and privilege to serve with Rod and to have shared some memorable times together, and it is with great sadness and humility that we bid our shipmate farewell.

I met Brother Grubb N 52 about seven years ago at a Chi Psi Founder's Day dinner at the Mpls Club. He was normally huddled with Henry and TP. We shared many stories during each following annual dinner. I always appreciated his interest in others, love for his fraternity, Brothers, and his country. I smiled each time I passed his home with the US Flag so honorably flying, with the feeling of privilege from knowing a little about him. Admittably, I may have known him the least, but I will most certain miss him at this year's dinner and the one that follow.

Dale and family:
We are saddened to hear of Rodney's passing. Sorry we cannot be with you for the final farewell to a wonderful friend. Rodney came to Burnsville High School in May 1980 to present a USNA Scholarship to our younger son, Jim, in a most elegant manner - we shall never forget God Bless you, Rodney and your whole family!
Connie & Bob Sauer,Sr USNA '58, Bob Sauer, Jr USNA '83 & Jim Sauer USNA '84.

I worked for Admiral Grubb in the Naval Reserve as his Inspector General. Rod was a loyal and supportive colleague. As a lawyer, I always enjoyed seeing Rod downtown where we both worked in our civilian lives.

Dale and family:
How saddened we were to hear of Rodneys passing. Sorry we cannot be with you for the final farewell to a wonderful friend. Thanks for many fond memories,Rodney. God Bless!
Steve and Lorraine Duffy

Grubb Family Members,

It was an honor and privilege to know Mr. Grubb. When I would call the Grubb Cleland office back in the 1990's I always looked forward to him answering the phone. He never talked much about himself but was always interested in hearing about others.

May the memories of his life bring joy in this time of sorrow.

Sincerely,

On behalf of the entire board and staff of Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, our deepest, heartfelt sympathy to his entire family. Rear Admiral Grubb was a supporter of our mission and programs, assisting homeless and at crisis veterans throughout the state. We will miss him.

Kathleen Vitalis
Executive Director

Mazatlan, Sin. Mexico, March 11, 2009.
Dear Didi, Nancy, and Mario;

Having the chance to Know and enjoy some time with Chief has being a Privilege.

Now that He is no longer with you, I can still see His presence thru the eyes of you all.
With no doubt this Wonderfull family you are, is only possible by a wisely guidence by Didi and Chief.

May the time do its own, and God Bless all your family now and ever !!

Chuy , Caro, Carito, Regina, Daniela, VIctoria.

Dale & family, My deepest condolences on the loss of Rodney. He was such a kind and caring person.

To John/Liz Grubb and the whole Grubb Family, sorry to hear of your lose. I will be praying for your family. I know that God's love will give you peace at this time while sharing the memories you have created with your love one.
Bettye

John,Paul and family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was a great guy.
When I worked at General Cinema and he would come in to do a preview and such, he was always a joy to talk to and be around. He knew everybody. Always generous and gracious to me and the staff.It was a special night when he, or John or Paul would be there.
God bless you all and thanks for the memories, Rodney!!!

My condolences go out to the Grubb family. I always had the utmost respect for Rear Admiral Grubb when I was on Temporary Active Duty at the Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region 16 in Mpls. He was a very gracious and sincere person. Even though he was a Rear Admiral, he always took time to visit and get to know the entire Region 16 personnel staff. May God Bless the entire Grubb family and give you strength to carry on during this difficult time. YN2 Colleen Ottman - USNR-Ret.

Dear Dale, John, Nancy & Grubb Family,

I am deeply saddened to learn of Rodney's passing. This wonderful man was a gift to everyone who ever knew him.

"Chief" and the Grubb family were a gift to me at a time in my life when I was in need of a little life support. I will always have the wonderful memories of "Chief"...a mentor, a delightful raconteur and friend who I loved being with when I worked at his agency.

I have been blessed knowing "Chief".

My deepest sympathies.

Love,
Rex Thompson

Admiral Grubb was a true gentleman, and always so respectful of others. To know him was to be inspired to strive to measure up to the the high standards that he always embraced, but never pushed on others. He lead by example.

Jim and Trish Cleary

One of Freedom's Finest has left us: Rear Admiral John Rodney Grubb, U.S. Navy (Ret.).

Admiral Grubb was a husband, father, grandfather, good, good friend and Sailor. He was a fixture in the Navy, the community, the business that he built, the Navy League, MOAA and of course the MAG Group and all that we care about. He exemplified the Navy's core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment, in a steady, dignified and gentle way that we all admired for so many good years. Admiral Grubb presented me with a Reserve Officer's Association Medal when I was a lowly midshipman 2nd class in 1982 - an award for service "above and beyond" in the classroom, I imagine; but to this day I remember the solemn and proud way in which he awarded it, and commended me - as if he was pinning the Navy Cross on a war hero. I think it was more important to him than it was to me, and that lesson stayed with me throughout my own Navy career. He was a Sailor's Sailor, and a class act in every way.

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Admiral... we will miss you.

Respectfully,

CDR Chip Laingen, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Co-Founder, Military Action Group (MAG)

To the family of RADM Rodney Grubb-

Echoing the thoughts of others, Radm Grubb was a great friend,mentor and leader to those of us, officer and enlisted, who were active in the Naval Reserve community in Minnesota. I to, served with him for a time at the Readiness Command and continued to cross paths with him at various functions and ceremonies. He will be greatly missed by the Naval Reserve community.

Donald R. Rask, YUNC, USNR (ret)

Dear Dale,Nancy,Paul and David

Our family is so very sorry and we send each of you our love tonight.
judith bill chris meghan and patrick

Dearest John and family. It has been 20 years that we have known you and through you, your dad. A generous, kind, proud and gentle man. We are saddened and terribly sorry for your loss. We will reminisce and remember. Love Ellen and Dominique

Dear Dale and family,
we are so very sorry for your loss and we want you to know that we are thinking of you. We will miss your husband's friendly face in the neighborhood - we live just a few houses up from you - this is a loss to the entire neighborhood. We pray for comfort and strength in this difficult time.

Nancy,
I am sending you and your family thoughts and prayers in during this sad time in your life.
Keep all of your happy and pleasant memories of your father close to recall when you are missing him the most.
Jamie

To the family of RADM Rod Grubb--

Rod was a great friend,mentor and leader to those of us who were active in the Naval Reserve community in Minnesota. I served with him for a time at the Readiness Command and continued to be involved with him through the Navy League and MOAA. He was a very generous man and inspirational leader to those in his command. Our Navy and military support groups will feel this loss greatly. Fair winds and following seas in your new command, Admiral.

Dearest Dale, Nancy, Paul and David:
Your terrible loss of Rodney is shared by all of us who ever had the joy and privilege to know him.

Rodney was the rarest of men - a gentleman and a gentle man. He excelled in his noble service to our nation, he excelled in building his own company. He was good and loyal and kind and decent to everyone he ever met. Spending time with Rodney made you aware of the goodness of life simply by seeing how he chose to live it.

It was so enriching to see how he simply adored Dale. He would say her name, and he would smile. She would speak and he would be looking at her, smiling. Their love and respect for one another was a beautiful beacon and a reminder of what love and commitment really is. He was so in love with, and so proud of, each of his children. They were the light in his heart. And the grandchildren...well was there every a grandfather more effected by those glorious little people?

Rodney walked and talked and acted with love leading him, every step. It was obvious to all, and we knew we were the better for being in his presence. To say he will be missed is a gross understatement. But he exemplified the honor with which one can live a meaningful life. He taught each of us a great deal.

With gratitude and love we will hold him in our hearts always. And Dale, Nancy, Paul and David, we are wrapping our arms around you today. Know that we will be here tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow with a loving hand and a desire to always be helpful.

May you find some peace in knowing how blessed you were to have a husband and father and grandfather as truly magnificant as Rodney.

With my love
Nancy Nelson

Paul and Family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

We are saddened by the loss of this great American. He served his Nation honorably in a distinguished Naval career, and then he served his local community until his final days on earth.

Rear Admiral Grubb was very active in the Military Officer’s Association of America (formerly TROA) where he served as President of the Minnesota Chapter for a number of years. Through his efforts, generosity, and visionary leadership the MCMOAA accomplished great things for the local Active, Reserve, and Retired military communities, and this is how we became friends with him several years ago.

He was a guest at my Change of Command ceremony this past December, which is when we last saw him. He wore his Navy uniform, and afterward he posed for photos and spoke with many of the Naval Sea Cadets and their families. He was a great man, but also a very humble man. The effect he had on others will keep our memories of him living.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Dear David & family:

I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Your family did so much for me as we were going through Breck. I have such wonderful memories of those times. Your dad was a true gentleman and I will always think of him captaining your boat on the st Croix. He will be missed!
My thoughts are with you.

Paul and Family,

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. I know he was a great man because he raised a honorable and generous son. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

David and family,

We are sorry to hear of your loss. We enjoyed meeting your dad at the SLC fundraiser last spring. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

With sympathy and love,
Sue, Toby, Will, Riley & Jack

I will say a special prayer for you and Rodney Thursday morning at 10:00.I love you, Susie