Duane Merle Grob, 83

Duane Merle Grob, 83, passed away Feb. 16, 2011, at St. Vincent Hospital, in the company of his loving family.

He was born in Kalispell on Jan. 12, 1928. After graduation from Flathead High School, Duane served in the United States Army, an endeavor in which he took great pride. Following his three-year Army service, Duane attended college at Montana State University, graduating in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in commercial science. He also played football and baseball for MSU.

In 1963, Duane married Mary Roll. Duane was a man who truly loved his family and spending time with them. His love for family spilled over into his work as a businessman when he opened Wong Village, The Tap Inn and The Little Nevada Casino with his wife and children.

Second only to his family was his love of the outdoors. As a young man, Duane enjoyed spending time on the river seeking the perfect catch.

When he was 40 years of age, Duane discovered that a Sunday afternoon spent on the golf course was about as close to heaven as he could get here on earth. In particular, he enjoyed watching his son Mike on the course as he worked to make a career out of the sport they both loved. Duane had his first hole in one at age 78 on the No. 5 hole at Yellowstone Country Club, a day to be remembered. A perfectionist on the course, Duane desired nothing more than to win the Rocky Mountain Left Hander’s Tournament, but had to be satisfied with placing second at least three times. Duane was also known for his bowling ability, placing second in the national bowling tournament.

The joy Duane received from the long days he spent on the golf course was second only to his unending love for his family. In his last days, Duane was often heard proclaiming how beautiful his family was.

Duane was preceded in death by his mother, Violet (Hall) Grob; father, Fred Grob; and brother-in-law, John Roll.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary (Roll) Grob; two sisters, Joanne Adams, and Betty Turner and Bill; his brother, Rufus Grob; his brothers-in-law, Art Roll and Angie, Marvin Roll and June, and Joe Roll and June; his sister-in-law, Valerie Roll; and his children, Terri Vrendberg, Monte Grob, Vickie Larson, Rick Larson and Diana, Terry Larson and Sherri, and Mike Grob and Kristi. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren whom he adored, Darcy, Trini, Ashley, Holly, Dana, Taylor, Raini, Mariah, Tessa, Tommy, Elizabeth and Michael.

Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. today, Feb. 21, at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 4125 Grand Ave., Billings, with reception following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Duane’s memory to the First Tee of Montana, an organization dedicated to building character and enhancing the lives of young people through the game of golf.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff at St. Vincent who have been so wonderful through these hard times. Your kindness will not soon be forgotten.

“Grandpa, we love you and miss you.”