Erling Grubb

William Erling Grubb, 89, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, following a season of declining health.

Erling was born on August 31, 1936, in Powers Lake, North Dakota, to William “Bill” and Clara (Ek) Grubb. As the eldest of their children, he spent his early years in Conrad, Montana, where his family relocated during his childhood. He graduated from Conrad High School in 1955.

Erling enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve his junior year of high school and immediately following graduation, he spent 2 years in the Navy on active duty. He was stationed in San Diego, he spent much of his service aboard Navy destroyers, traveling internationally with time in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Hawaii, and Alaska.

During his freshman year of high school, Erling met the love of his life, Loretta. The couple married on May 12, 1956, in Conrad while Erling was home on leave from the Navy. Their first son, Mark, was born at the naval base in San Diego. After completing his service, Erling returned to Montana with his family. He attended college in Havre for a year before working alongside his father and brother in the family business, William Grubb and Sons Sand and Gravel.

Erling and Loretta later moved from the Dutton area to their farm and ranch three miles north of Ledger, where they built a life and raised their family. During their early years at Circle Six Ranch, their children Terri, Jay, and Ross were born. Erling spent the remainder of his life working the land he loved alongside his family.

Erling shared a close bond with his brother Byron, and together their youthful adventures often led to playful mischief—and the occasional scolding from their mother. Known for his humor, Erling loved telling stories and playing practical jokes. One of his favorite stories recalled a Christmas when he and Byron received “a bag of air and a switch,” while their sister Karen received gifts. He also enjoyed joking that he had a “drug problem”—that his parents “drug” him to church every week. Yet this humor reflected a deeper truth, as those early years in church laid the foundation for a lifelong, steadfast faith.

Erling loved the Lord deeply. He was devoted to daily Bible reading, prayer, and his faith in Jesus Christ. He often sang his favorite hymn, “Happiness Is to Know the Savior,” and desired that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would come to know and follow Christ personally. Erling and Loretta faithfully served together for many years at the Conrad Mission Church, where he found great joy in loving the Lord and serving others. He told his children that one of the most meaningful acts of service he took part in was to help build the Conrad Mission Church.

In addition to his faith and family, Erling enjoyed hunting, golfing, camping, and boating. He and Loretta also treasured many winters spent in Quartzsite, Arizona.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Conrad Mission Church, with a luncheon to follow. A Naval Honor Ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery in recognition of Erling’s honorable military service.

 Erling was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Clara Grubb; his brother, Byron Grubb; and his sister, Karin David. He is survived by his beloved wife, Loretta Grubb; his children and their spouses, Mark Grubb (Devra), Terri Grubb, Jay Grubb (Cynthia), and Ross Grubb (Jill); his brother, Don Grubb (Patty); grandchildren, Kristi Calvery, Garth Grubb, Garrett (Tori) Grubb, Grant (Danielle) Grubb, Graham (Ali) Grubb, Whitney (Jonothan) Popp, Justin Prewett, Cashley Redd, Shawnee Redd, Angie (Zach) Freman, Bethany (Tanner) Singh, Erica (Jordan) Memurray, Jackson (Rachel) Grubb, Jessica (John) Christian, Emilee (Chase) Young, Dylan (Riley) Grubb; and beloved 36 great grandchildren.

Erling will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love for his family, his strong work ethic, and the joy and laughter he brought to those around him.