Robert Grebe, 76, Owatonna
Robert Jules Grebe passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 6, 2026, at the age of 76.
He was born on Nov. 28, 1949, in Fond du Lac, Wis. Bob grew up in Fond du Lac and loved fishing and hanging out with his childhood friends, whom he kept in touch with into his adulthood through letters, phone calls, visits and attending Brewers’ games.
Bob met the love of his life, Kathleen Flood (Kathy) while working their summer job in 1970 and he found a loving family in the Floods. Bob and Kathy married on Aug. 12, 1972.
Bob and Kathy moved to Owatonna, in 1979, making their home a place where all were always welcome. For Bob, family was incredibly important. He and Kathy had five children and built lifelong friendships and a strong community with neighbors on Vine Street. Bob loved to play wiffle ball with his kids and any neighborhood kids that wanted to join, shoot hoops in the driveway, or take his kids fishing when he got a chance. Nothing lit up Bob’s face more than joking around with his kids and their families. He had a soft spot in his heart for little kids, and we will cherish how easily he could make them laugh.
Bob and Kathy complemented each other as they raised their kids, instilling the importance of partnership, family and community. Being active in door knocking and raising their children to participate in democracy were core values that Bob and Kathy shared. Their door was open to anyone, as it was never an issue to pull up an extra chair at the table. Living their values and sharing what they had was what community and faith meant to Bob and Kathy.
Bob was a lifelong Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and Badgers fan and loved watching sporting events his whole life, especially when it was one of his children or grandchildren. Anyone that worked with or met Bob knew that he was very proud to be from Wisconsin, evident by his Green Bay stocking cap or how he would display the Packers’ score in his office window after every game, and especially after a win against the Vikings.
Bob spent his career as a vocational counselor at Cedar Valley Services, known for his patience and care in making every individual know they were important, no matter what they needed. It was not uncommon to see a line of people outside his door waiting to get a moment to share what was going on in their lives or even to discuss the next big game.
Bob loved to joke around and always had a pun or bad joke to lighten any conversation. Bob and his sister Beth grew up exchanging puns with their dad as kids, he never let the opportunity pass for a good pun, no matter the audience. His blue eyes would twinkle, anticipating the eventual groan or chuckle.
Bob was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jaycees, Knights of Columbus and the Izaak Walton League over the years. For more than 40 years, Bob and family spent every Memorial Day weekend at Camp Friendship with a group from Owatonna. This volunteer weekend was one of Bob’s favorite annual events, as he cherished the time with the group of family friends who were some of his closest over the years.
In his later years, Bob could be found walking his dog, Tino, who kept him active. Bob loved to visit his kids and took pride in his grandchildren’s accomplishments. Whether sharing a laugh, following a game, or simply spending time together, Bob found his greatest happiness in the people he loved. His final gift to others was to be an organ and tissue donor.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. and Kay Grebe; his parents-in-law, Vernon and Gladys Flood; and his brothers-in-law, Allen and John Flood.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; his five children: Laura (Jerry) Shadewald of Prairie du Sac, Wis.; Carolyn (Orlando) Martinez of Richfield; Suzanne (Ben) Sopko of Richfield; Nick (Bridget) of Minneapolis; and Ben of Blooming Prairie. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Aida, Greta, Lila, and Levi Shadewald; Dayana, Dainuivis, Orlando and Adair Martinez; Frances and Laverne Grebe; his great-grandchildren; Alaia, Matias and Alana, as well as his twin sister, Beth Grebe and the Flood family. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
Bob’s life was a testament to the power of showing up for others and finding joy in the everyday moments that make a family and a community. His legacy lives on in the family he and Kathy built, the friendships he faithfully maintained, the people he served, and the countless smiles sparked by a perfectly or terribly timed pun.
Visitation will be held Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at Brick-Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Road, Owatonna, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. Friends may also greet the family on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna, prior to the start of the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at a later date in Fond du Lac.
Memorials may be given to Smile Train or Heifer International.