Eugene William Grokenberger

1916 - 2012

EUGENE WILLIAM GROKENBERGER
1916 - 2012

Eugene "Gene" W. Grokenberger passed away peacefully with family at his side on January 23, 2012 at CopperRidge Health Care Center in Redding. Gene was born on October 24, 1916 in Stony Plains, Alberta, Canada, to John and Luise Grokenberger, the fourth and last of seven children. The family moved from Canada to Bell, California in the 1920's. Upon graduation from Bell High School Gene worked for Bethlehem Steel and in 1936 Gene married Lila Cone, the love of his life for 57 years. After the outbreak of World War II Gene joined the Navy and was placed in charge of a naval machine shop at Mare Island Naval Shipyard until the USS Sperry, a sub tender, was commissioned in 1942. Gene spent the remainder of the war in the South Pacific as a machinist on the USS Sperry. In 1942, while Gene was in the service, the Grokenberger family moved to Montgomery Creek.

After his discharge from the Navy, Gene joined the family at Montgomery Creek where he built his home and resided for 70 years until his death. Gene briefly operated a garage and machine shop in Montgomery Creek before joining his father John, and brothers Adolph and Bill, to begin a masonry contracting business known as Grokenberger's Masonry, specializing in brick laying. Gene became well known for his integrity and craftsmanship in his masonry profession, which he practiced for 60 years. The Grokenbergers did the block/brick work for the first Redding Memorial Hospital, built and owned the first tennis club in Redding, now the Sun Oaks Tennis Club, and worked with Carl McConnell to build the first ski facility on Mt. Shasta. Upon retirement Gene still continued, on occasion and upon special request, to do rock work and brick laying for friends. After the Fountain Fire in August 1992, Gene donated countless hours to help rebuild fireplaces, hearths, and other block and brick work to those who had lost their homes in the fire. Gene was an avid hunter and fisherman traveling to places as far away as Canada, Montana, and Wyoming to hunt. He dearly loved to take people fishing at his "favorite place" on Montgomery Creek. Gene was also noted for his seven-mile long running trail along Montgomery Creek, nicknamed the "Grokenberger Trail" by the local residents. Gene jogged and maintained this trail until his early 80's. Gene was an active member of the VFW Post 275 in Montgomery Creek, a life member of the Mountain Lion's Club, and a member of the Montgomery Grange for many years.

He is survived by daughter Mary Rickard of Redding; three granddaughters; two great grandchildren; five nephews; six nieces; and many extended family members and close friends. Arrangements are being handled by Allen & Dahl of Redding. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 29th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Allen & Dahl in Palo Cedro. The funeral service will be held at Halcomb Cemetery in Montgomery Creek on Monday, January 30th, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Richard James officiating, assisted by Chaplain Tom Smith of the VFW Post 275. A reception will be held at the Community Hall in Round Mountain immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the VFW Post 275, the Mountain Lion's Club, or the Montgomery Grange, all of Montgomery Creek.

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