Kurt Grebe

Dr. Kurt H. Grebe died peacefully at home
surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 28th, 2013,

Kurt Herman Grebe was born August 28, 1928 in Detroit, Mi.
to Friedrich and Pauline Grebe.

The family moved to a farm near Mackinaw City, Mi. in 1943. He
graduated from Mackinaw City High School in 1946. He was awarded a
B.S. degree from Capital University, Columbus O. in 1950 and a Doctor
of Osteopathy from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic
Medicine in 1955.

He married Carol June Ostrus of Wiota, Ia. June 8, 1952 and she survives.
Their love and devotion for one another has been an inspiration to their
family. Their union was blessed with six children, Marsha (Terry)
Lambert of Marshall, Mi., Frederick “Fritz”(Sue Hall) of
Harbor Springs, Mi, Dr, John (Jacque) of Petoskey, Mi, Suzanne (Stuart)
Jonas of Grand Rapids, Mi, Elizabeth (Steve) Gwizdala and
Ruth (Michael) Ferguson both of Bay City, Mi.
He is survived by grandchildren Kurt, Meghan, Keija, Channa, Erin,
Elizabeth, Emily, Teresa, Michael, Dakota and 7 great-grandchildren,
One sister Katherine (Larry) Eichinger of Midland survives.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and brothers in law
Ron (Beulah) Ostrus and Art Schneider.

He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Pauline Barthelemy of Florida
and Wilhelmine (Art) Schneider of Mackinaw City and by a grandson
Phillip Grebe.

Dr. Grebe initiated Family Practice in Bay City Mi. in 1956 following an
internship at the former Saginaw Osteopathic Hospital. He was active at
the former Bay Osteopathic Hospital and joined the staff of Bay City
Mercy Hospital in 1967. He became Chief of Staff of the merged

Bay Medical Center and served Jan, 1978 to Dec. 1980. He had a
particular interest in Medical Ethics and the treatment of chemical
dependence, He became certified in Family Practice by ACOFP and
Addiction Medicine by ASAM. He served as Medical Director of
Bay Haven CD unit from 1983 to1993.

He began active retirement from private practice in 1993 and returned to
the family home near Mackinaw City.He continued some medical
involvement as Medical Director of the Larsen Hall Extended Care Unit
with Cheboygan Memorial Hospital and rendered medical care to patients
until its closure in 2012. He was also involved with Hospice of the Straits
as associate to the Medical Director from 2001 until 2011. His
recreational activities included tree farming, hunting, trail building and
harvesting of boulders with his beloved JD 350 bulldozer.

A life-long special interest in history found an outlet with activities
involving the Mackinaw Area Historical Society where he was active in
planning and originating the Heritage (Historical) Village.

He and Carol enjoyed extensive American and worldwide travel and
developing a close relationship with German cousins as well as searching
Carol’s roots in Norway. These both added to their life’s enjoyment.

Fraternal activities led to Life Membership in Wenona Lodge F & A.M.,
Bay City Consistory and Elf Khurafeh Shrine. He was an active member
of Messiah Lutheran Church of Bay City, Mi during the active practice
years and St. Thomas Lutheran Church of Cheboygan after retirement.

He had an active sense of humor which occasionally took a sardonic twist,
though most often at his own expense. He was grateful for the lengthy
opportunity to contribute to the welfare of his fellow humans and
experienced great satisfaction in doing so. The return of people’s
friendship was one of its chief rewards. Later in life he enjoyed the adult
conversations with his grandchildren and the continuing close contact
with his children.

Friends may visit at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Cheboygan on
Thursday, January 2nd from 10:30 a.m. through time of memorial service
at 12-Noon with Pastor Zachary C. Nelson officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Lutheran Church or
Mackinaw Area Historical Society.