Don Albert Grebe

Don Albert Grebe, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and admired teacher, passed away peacefully on December 17th 2024 at the age of 92 in Littleton Colorado. Don was born on June 30, 1932, in Janesville Wisconsin to Albert and Ella Grebe. In 1941, the family moved to Colorado where he lived a remarkable life.

Don attended Smiley Jr. High, East High School and the University of Northern Colorado. He met his first wife, Barbara, when her family moved into the house next door near East Denver. They were married for 25 years and raised a family of four children. Later, Don met Kathy, a fellow teacher who had three children and they enjoyed nearly 31 years together.

Don’s life was notable by his dedication, service, generosity, knowledge and humor. Don graduated from of the University of Northern Colorado with a master’s degree in education and spent 34 years teaching for Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado. He was revered by many of his students and loved teaching at the Junior High level. He also spent many years moonlighting at Coors to supplement his teaching salary. Don was a devout Catholic and very involved in his church, Our Lady of Fatima. He spent a record number of hours as a volunteer at Lutheran Hospital assisting with admission and discharge, always making people laugh and feel at ease.

Don had many hobbies which included archery, tennis, chess, bowling, billiards, photography, Ham radio, history, gardening, parties, travel and making people laugh. He loved to watch sports, especially Football and the Denver Broncos! In his retirement, Don and Kathy enjoyed traveling in their many different recreational vehicles all over the U.S. and finally decided to settle each winter in a wonderful active adult community in Arizona where they met many close friends. They also traveled all over the world including Europe, the Holy Lands, Canada and Mexico.

Don is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Ella Grebe. He is survived by his four children, Greg (Cathy) Grebe of Nevada City, California, Chris Grebe of Denver, CO, Karen (Art) Dorr of Aurora, CO, Jennifer Grebe of Golden, CO, his sister Sandra Sago (GR) of Denver, CO, sister-in-law Sue Purdie, Denver, CO, Brother-in-law Charles (Suzie) Counts, Richmond, VA, sister-in-law Laurie Counts, Culpeper, VA, Stepdaughters Pam (Dave) Barnes of Spokane, WA, Tammy (Dave) Vaughn, of Spokane, WA and Gayle Joyner of Ashville, NC. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a network of extended family, friends and pets. His family and friends will remember him for his laughter, generous spirit, and the countless ways he made the world a better place.