Edward A. Grebe Obituary
Edward A. Grebe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at age of 93, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, he was the fifth of seven children to Joseph and Caroline (Breister) Grebe.
Ed leaves behind his devoted wife, Callista "Callie," with whom he shared 68 beautiful years of marriage. He was a loving father to Kenneth (Carol) Grebe, Stephen (Laura) Grebe, and Paul (Christine) Grebe MD, and an adored grandfather to Lauren Grebe (Eric Vogt), Katie Grebe, Callie (Joe) Jennaro, David (Dr. Ashley) Grebe, Chrissy Grebe, Paul "Jack" Grebe, Nicholas Grebe, and Andrew Grebe. His legacy extends to his cherished great-grandchildren Ceci, Joey, and Louie Jennaro, Maria and Anna Grebe, and Henry Vogt. He is further survived by his brother, Dick, and sister-in-law Marge, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Preceding him in death were his sisters Marge (Ben) Pufahl and Lucille (Ray) Rutherford; brothers Norb (Val) Grebe, Chuck (Lari) Grebe, and Tom (Marge) Grebe; and many cherished in-laws.
Ed's life was rich with accomplishments and dedication. He was an Eagle Scout who proudly saw two sons and four grandsons achieve the same rank. He also spent his youth as a Sea Scout on Lake Winnebago. After graduating from St. Mary Springs Academy in Fond du Lac, he went on to graduate at the top of his engineering class from Marquette University in just three years, earning a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering in 1953. He later earned his Master's in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison while working and raising a family.
Drafted into the U.S. Army, Ed served for two years. He was initially assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, alongside his brother, Dick, and later was a Nike missile operator on the East Coast. During his service, he faithfully wrote to Callie every day, filling his letters with stories and ongoing Battleship boardgame moves.
Ed was a brilliant structural engineer, registered as a Professional Engineer in 15 states and a licensed Structural Engineer in Illinois and Arizona. As Engineer of Record on projects across the country, his work and expertise have left an indelible mark on communities nationwide. A Life Member of both the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers, Ed served on the NSPE Board and mentored countless other engineers. After rising through the ranks at Wisconsin Bridge & Iron (WBI) for over 25 years, Ed eventually ran the company before establishing his own firm, Edward A. Grebe PE. There he provided engineering services until he retired at age of 88, serving a prestigious client base including General Motors, Manitowoc Company, Mercury Marine, Miller Brewing, and Northwestern Mutual. He held a patent in US and Canada on an innovative log sorter design.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ed was a devoted member of St. Catherine's Congregation for over 50 years, where he volunteered as a parish administrator and watched all three sons attend the school. He lived a life of boundless energy and commitment, from completing do it yourself (DIY) projects to participating in sports with family and friends well into his eighties. A firm believer in family traditions, Ed and Callie made yearly memories at the "Great Grebe Campout" and spent countless holiday celebrations with the Kliebhan, Dreis, and Doucette families. He cherished annual trips to Woodruff, WI area, for over sixty years and never missed a Christmas Eve with loved ones.
Ed's marriage to Callie was filled with love, adventure, and tradition. They met at a Marquette University social mixer, and he proposed to her at St. Anne's Church just before midnight Mass. Together, they travelled widely, visiting Europe several times, and made family memories through lively gatherings at their home, where Ed entertained with the player piano late into the night. He enjoyed the card game sheepshead and drinking a brandy Manhattan with friends and relatives.
Ed's remarkable life will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at San Camillo Chapel, 10200 W. Bluemound Road, Wauwatosa, with visitation beginning at 2 PM, followed by a eulogy at 3:30 PM and a Mass of Christian Burial at 4 PM. Reception follows. A private burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Women's Care Center or a charity of your choice.
Ed will be dearly missed, yet his legacy and spirit will live on through his loving family and friends.
