Donald Grubaugh

Donald Leonard Grubaugh of Ottawa died November 25, 2022 at Ottawa Pavilion in Ottawa, IL.

Don was born on March 26, 1941 in Ottawa to George and Lillian (Philhower) Grubaugh. He married his high school sweetheart Eustachia “Diane” Knoedler on October 5, 1963 in a candlelight service at the First Presbyterian Church In Grand Ridge, IL. She passed away on May 3, 2015 after 51 years of marriage.

He is survived by 3 children: Don Grubaugh of Ottawa, Dawn (Doug) Tedrick of St. Clair, MO, and Elizabeth (Tim) Drea of Springfield, IL. Grandchildren: Jacob and Piper Grubaugh, Cameron and Kyle Tedrick, and Andrew, Bridget, Lillian and Jack Drea. He is also survived by his beloved companion, Diane McCurdy of Ottawa and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Diane; three sisters, Pauline Klein, Cecilia Carter, and Genevieve Hall; and a brother, George Grubaugh.

Don attended Lincoln Elementary School, Graduated from Ottawa Township High School, and earned a Certificate in Banking from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. At OTHS, he played the trombone and tuba and participated in Track. He had a 39-year career at First National Bank of Ottawa working his way from bank teller just after high school, to Vice President. He enjoyed helping people purchase homes and invest in the community. An avid and very skilled golfer, he always had his clubs in the trunk of his car so he could play wherever he went; Pine Hills Golf Course was a cherished local venue. He was a life-long member of First United Methodist Church, and an extensive volunteer with many community and service organizations, including: Elks Lodge #588, Community Hospital of Ottawa/OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center ER, Reddick Library Board, AMBUCS, Jaycees, Camp Tuckabatchee, Camp Fire Board, Civil Defense, River Rescue Squad, and Little League Coach. He was active with a variety of military veterans groups, including: the American Legion, VFW, and Lasalle County Veterans Home. For 45 years Don traveled to Akron, OH, every summer as a logistics/radio volunteer for the PGA World Series of Golf and World Golf Championship Tournaments held at Firestone Country Club; in 2016 he was awarded the David H. Franklin Volunteer Award for his contributions to the annual tournament. In retirement he served as an IHSA track and cross country officiant for many years.
 
He was drafted into the U.S. Army during Vietnam and stationed from March of 1967-March of 1968 assigned to D Company, 52nd Infantry Regiment at Bien Hoa/Long Binh. He was wounded in an explosion during the TET Offensive on January 31, 1968 and earned the Bronze Star for bravery and other service medals.
 
Don never met a stranger; he liked a good steak and a good joke. He loved jazz, dancing, model trains, golf, fishing, and his family. He especially loved the opportunity to be ‘Grampa,’ traveling to attend school functions, sports events, dance productions, and anything else he could do to support his grandchildren, who were his greatest source of pride.
 
Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 13, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm. Inurnment will immediately follow at Oakwood Memorial Park with military honors.
 
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to: Ottawa Elks Scholarship Fund and VFW.
 

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