Fred L Grubb

Frederick Lew Grubb passed away on June 1, 2026, after a long illness. Born on July 31, 1948 to John H. and Mary Ann Grubb in Denver, Colorado, he spent his formative years in Nebraska. While his mother worked on her advanced education, he lived a charmed life on the farm with his dearly loved grandfather. At the age of twelve, with his mother and grandfather, he moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico.
He loved Santa Fe and always considered it home. Before leaving the area, he attended school through Junior College and attained the position as chef and kitchen manager at the once famed Turquoise Restaurant. Pretty much anyone that knew Fred was graced with his incredible food.
In 1968, Fred moved to DePere, Wisconsin to pursue life in a religious teaching order. He continued his education at St. Norbert College, the University of Chicago and Chicago Theological Union. He was a teacher, coach, counselor and member of the clergy. In summers, he participated as assistant director at Tivoli, a camp for young people in northern Wisconsin. He was quite a task master yet well respected. A number of former campers became life long friends of he and his family.
Having left the order, Fred found his way to Spokane, WA. In 1981 he married his college crush, Barbara Verriden. They welcomed two sons who were both the bane of his existence and the joys of his life. As a dad, he was all in, seldom missing a game, a concert, or creating a fine dinner for their prom dates. Fred took over all the cooking and lavished Barbara with love, attention, and never letting her forget that she was his lady. He was an avid pet lover and had many rescues in his life. He truly enjoyed reading and traveling with the family.
Teaching had always been his passion but he found himself in the world of computers. When graduating from Spokane Technical Institute, with the highest grades in the history of the school, they honored him by making him Dean of Students. He continued teaching as well until the school was sold.
While working with JaLan Inc., he traveled the country teaching personnel in the use of software for the courts. He was about to take the journey into Artificial Intelligence when the company took a different path. He retired after working with a few local businesses and spent his last twelve working years as a Systems Analyst for System Transport.
Fred was a proud member of Masonry for over thirty-six years. Beginning with North Hill Masonic Lodge #210, he became Master as well as the Lodge cook. The sign hangs today at the new Masonic Center in the kitchen "Road Kill Chef". Fred was a 33 degree Mason, a 33 degree Red Cap member of Scottish Rite, Master of Washington Lodge of Research, Secretary of North Hill 210 and Secretary of the Eastern Washington Lodge of Research. As a Shriner, he was a Shrine Daddy, a former President of the North Hill Shrine Club, and a member of both the Shrine Actors and Shrine Animals. He was also a past member of the Grotto and the Temple Board. He loved Masonry and his brothers, especially Merle.
Fred was the Patriarch of the Verriden and Grubb families. His absence leaves a void in the hearts of all of them. Fred leaves his wife, Barbara, sons and their families: Joshua and Shawna of Bonita Springs, Florida with grandsons Connor and Cameron. In Spokane, he leaves Jared and Rachel. He adored his daughters-in-law as well as his wife's family: Al and Sue Verriden, Larry and Karen Verriden, Lisa and Kevin Malnor, all in Green Bay, Wl and Karen and John Mefford of Escondido, CA. He leaves two brothers, Jody Grubb and Cathy in Belle Fourche, SD. and Thad Vesely in Renton, WA. He had numerous friends that he cared for deeply. There will be a private service. Fred will be missed as much as he was loved.