Donald Nickolas Grubich

Donald Nickolas Grubich

Donald Nickolas Grubich was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He passed away on June 21, 2023 at The Wealshire of Bloomington, MN, at the age of 89.

Don was born on February 1, 1934 to Nikola and Sophia (Smilanich) Grubich. He graduated from Martin Hughes High School in Buhl, received an Associate of Science degree from Virginia Junior College, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Industrial Administration from the University of Minnesota.

Don was a long-time resident of the Iron Range. He was born and raised in Buhl and spent his retirement years in God's country, at his home on Lake Leander.

Don spent over thirty-five years in various roles at the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, which he retired from in 1991.

Don was a charter member of the International Peat Society (IPS), formed in 1972. He was the principal representative from the United States for nearly fifty years. He held numerous IPS positions, which included Secretary-Treasurer and Vice President, before becoming an elder statesman in the organization. In 1998, he was awarded the status of Honorary Member, a position he cherished. His time with the IPS afforded him numerous trips to Europe, where life- long friendships were forged.

Don was also a member of the Masonic Brotherhood and the AAD Shrine Temple. He belonged to the Hematite Lodge in Chisholm for over sixty-six years, and held every station there, including Grand Master. He was a Master Mason, and in 2017 received the Hiram Award.

Known to his close friends and family as "Jimmy", throughout his life Don enjoyed curling, fishing on Grey Trout Lake, cooking Serbian food, baking muffins and cookies, and watching horse races. He was a season ticket holder for the Minnesota State High School League boys state hockey tournament. He was also a fan of wiener dogs named Timmy, lemon meringue pie, and Irish music.

Don knew someone everywhere he went. He loved to share stories about his travels. He was an innately generous father and grandfather, and cared very deeply for his family and friends.

He is survived by daughters Leah (Keegan) Chaput and Nicole LaBerge; Claire Grubich; grandchildren Logan and Colin Chaput, and Patric and Alexis LaBerge; nieces and nephews Dennis Grubich, Mary (Grubich) Saari, Julie Gedo, and Steve Gedo.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Nikola and Sophia Grubich, brother George Grubich, sister-in-law Mona Grubich, sister Donna (Grubich) Gedo, nephew Christopher Gedo, and family friend Angela Dicklich.

Visitation will be at Rupp Funeral Home & Cremation Service Chapel in Chisholm on Wednesday July 5, 2023 from 6-8pm with a Masonic Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour before the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Thursday, July 6th with Fr. Dean Franck officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. Lunch will be served at Valentini's Supper Club in Chisholm at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

Flowers are welcome. Don was also an avid supporter of the Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society, and the Miller Dwan Foundation if memorial donations are preferred.