Gerald Alson Graebe

Gerald (Jerry) Graebe was born in San Jose, California to William A. Graebe and Lucyle M. (King) Graebe on May 20, 1930. He lived in Capitola, California and graduated from Santa Cruz High School. For a short time he worked for his father in construction as a laborer. He attended San Mateo Jr. College and then on to

UC Berkeley with a goal of receiving his degree in Civil Engineering. His college was interrupted by the Korean War for 2 years, after which he returned to Berkeley and completed his degree in Civil Engineering.

His professional career started with a job with the State Bridge Department, during which time he acquired his license as a Civil Engineer. He then moved on to the Monterey County Road Department as their Bridge Engineer. While there, he designed and inspected many bridges for the county. Among those projects were the Robinson Canyon Bridge in Carmel Valley and the Blanco Road bridge over the Salinas River.

In 1970 he opened an office in Salinas, Gerald A. Graebe and Associates, and became a licensed Structural Engineer. Jerry always believed the only way to do things was 'the right way” and this earned him the respect of officials and inspectors with whom he worked. Jerry had opportunities to go to work for large firms but always said "the average person needs engineering, too" and he wanted to raise his family in a smaller town. He retired at the age of 77 after 38 years in private practice.

During his business career he was an active member of the Salinas Steinbeck Rotary Club. After his retirement he became active in the Pacific Grove Rotary Club. He was an avid tennis player, playing at Meadowbrook and CVAC. He loved music. He sang 25 years with the local Barbershop chorus, many years with the First Presbyterian Church choir in Monterey and many years with I Cantori di Carmel, including five European concert tours.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janet, a son Kirk and grandson Will of Fremont and a daughter Cynthia of San Jose. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Katherine, who died in 1964.

Memorial services will be on Saturday, October 12, at First Presbyterian Church, 501 El Dorado Street, Monterey, at 1:00pm. Any donations may be made to the organization of your choice or to the Hunter Youth Fund at First Presbyterian Church, Monterey.