Donald Don Joseph Grebil, 89
Donald “Don” Joseph Grebil, 89, of Wallace, Idaho, passed away June 19, 2017 at his home of Wallace. He was born July 31, 1927 in Lewiston, Idaho; Don was the son of Frank and Pearl (Swinton) Grebil.
Don moved to Wallace as a young boy with his family. He attended and graduated from the Wallace High School in 1945. Don joined the U.S. Navy and after being discharged, he attended Jewelers School in Peoria, Illinois.
Don married Jeannie Martin on April 8, 1988 in Wallace, Idaho; Jeannie passed away on November 6, 2006.
Don started his working career as a service station manager for Carter Oil of Wallace in 1950. He then went to work as a warehouseman for Pacific Fruit also of Wallace. Don then went to work as a miner, while starting his furnace cleaning business, before purchasing George K. Garrett Company, which was a local coal company and a Mayflower moving business. Then Don transitioned to Grebil, Inc., which became an explosives dealership for the local mining and logging industries; he built this company to the largest dealership of small diameter stick powder, west of the Mississippi. In 1974, Don purchased the Wallace Bowling Alley with his brother, Jack; and then in 1976, he purchased the Kellogg Bowling Alley with his brother, Jack and his son, Mike. Other business ventures included the Wallace Tire Company ending with the development of the Down By The Depot R.V. Park; he retired in 2010.
Don was a life-time member of the Wallace Elks Lodge #331, a member of the Osburn V.F.W. #1675, a member of the American Legion, a member of the Gyro Club, a member of the Historic Wallace Chamber of Commerce and other charitable organizations.
Don loved and enjoyed golfing and fishing. He loved all sports and had coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and had umpired. Don had also served as a referee for football and other sports.
Don is survived by three sons David and Debbie Grebil of Hillsboro, Oregon, Mike and Jaylene Grebil of Kellogg, and Steve and Theresa Grebil of Boise, Idaho; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jeannie and four brothers Bill, Bob, Frank and Jack Grebil.
A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2017, at 2:00 P.M. at the Wallace Elks Lodge; this will be potluck and everyone is welcome.
The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Osburn V.F.W. #1675, P.O. Box 534, Osburn, Idaho 83849.
One may sign Don’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com
SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.