September 17, 1927 – April 22, 2025
By: Scotty Anderson

Ed Grubbe passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, in Post Falls, Idaho, at the age of 97 — a number that seems more like a high score than an age. It’s safe to say Ed didn’t just live a long life; he lived a full one —
the kind that deserves a standing ovation and maybe even a commemorative plaque.
Born in Olympia, Washington on September 17, 1927, to Edwin and Edith Grubbe, Ed was the older brother
to Tom, which no doubt paved the way for a lifetime of good-natured sibling rivalry. He spent his early years in
Oregon, eventually graduating from Ballard High School in 1945. As a Boy Scout, he achieved Eagle Scout
status at the tender age of 15 — the youngest in his troop; a title he wore proudly for the next 82 years.
After high school, Ed joined the U.S. Naval Armed Forces, where he spent most of his service hitting the
books rather than the battlefield — including a physics class taught by none other than Dr. Robert
Oppenheimer. (Yes, that Oppenheimer.)
He went on to attend the University of Washington, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Engineering and
Business, a combo that ensured he could build something and sell it to you too.
In 1949, Ed married his first wife, Gerri Bjornson, and together they welcomed two daughters — Kristi in 1951
and Valerie in 1952 — both born on the same day, one year apart. A coincidence Ed described as “great
planning” and proudly referred to the four of them as “The Four Musketeers.”
The family eventually relocated to the Bay Area, where Ed worked in real estate and developed a talent for
turning houses into homes (and occasionally into profitable investments). In 1977, Ed faced the heartbreaking
loss of Gerri, but life had more adventure in store.
Soon after, he met Pamela Wesler Wise — his second great love — along with her children, Ron and Cheri. Ed
and Pam were married for nearly 50 years, an impressive feat in any era, and together they built a life that
spanned states, decades, and more than a few home improvement projects.
The couple moved to Mammoth Lakes, California, embracing mountain life with gusto. Ed spent his time
gardening, working with Harshbarger Construction, and serving actively in his church. Later, they relocated to
Carlsbad and became the primary caregivers for grandson Erik — a role Ed took on with devotion, patience,
and a steady supply of dad jokes.
Ed, Pam, and Erik would return to Mammoth and eventually move to Bishop, where Ed’s primary focus
became raising Erik and turning their house into a warm, welcoming home filled with laughter and love (and
probably a few unfinished DIY projects).
Family was always Ed’s guiding compass. He said he was the most proud of being a father and beamed with
pride over his daughters, Kristi and Valerie, step kids Ron and Cheri, and adored his grandchildren: Scotty,
Shelby, Erik, Garrett, Nicholas, Susanna, and Delaney. Holidays at Grandpa Ed’s house were nothing short of
magical — with food, family, laughter, spoons on noses and elaborate snow mazes that would have made an
architect jealous.
In his final years, Ed and Pam moved to Post Falls, Idaho, to be closer to family — the true treasure of his life.
Whether building things with his hands, solving problems with his heart, or offering wise advice with a twinkle
in his eye, Ed lived with purpose, humor, and a fierce loyalty to the people he loved.
He is survived by a sprawling, spirited, and deeply grateful family. He leaves behind a legacy not only of
longevity but of love, wit, and the kind of stories that get better every time they’re told.

So here’s to Ed — Eagle Scout, Navy veteran, engineer, storyteller, husband, father, grandfather, snow maze
architect, and world-class hugger. Ninety-seven years of adventure, love, and laughter. Not bad, Ed. Not bad
at all.