Honoring Delbert V. Groberg
HONORING DELBERT V. GROBERG -- (Senate - December 08, 2004)
Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a civic leader in Idaho who passed away this week at the age of 98. Delbert V. Groberg was so active in community efforts in eastern Idaho that the local newspaper reported "it would take the best part of a newspaper page to list" his accomplishments. But I knew him best as a close family friend; the father of one of my best friends, Dr. George Groberg; and a man who held a place of trust and honor in the community for decades.
Delbert and his late wife, Jennie Holbrooke, were married nearly 74 years and are the parents of eleven children, all born and reared in Idaho Falls. His family was his proudest accomplishment, and he leaves behind Mary Jane, Richard who is currently serving an LDS mission in Finland, Joseph, Lewis, George, Julia, John, David, Delbert, Elizabeth, and Gloria, along with 64 grandchildren, 116 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. What a legacy he has fostered!
His business accomplishments began in 1929 in real estate when he founded the D. V. Groberg Company in Idaho Falls. The company expanded into real estate sales, appraisals, property management and development, building subdivisions throughout the area. He served as the president of the Idaho Falls Real Estate Board and of the Idaho Real Estate Association. He was also the chairman of the Idaho Real Estate Commission and vice-president of the National Association of Realtors. Not surprisingly, he was selected as the Idaho Realtor of the Year. He was the first in southern Idaho to receive the professional designation from the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, which awarded him a lifetime membership. He was the founding president of its southern Idaho chapter.
His interest in real estate led to an achievement that is a landmark in Idaho Falls-the siting and building of an LDS temple on the banks of the Snake River. He later served as president of the Idaho Falls LDS Temple from 1975 to 1980 and authored a book about the temple, "The Idaho Falls Temple: The First LDS Temple in Idaho."
His service to his religion took many forms as well. He served as a bishop of the Idaho Falls Third Ward, a member of the South Idaho Falls Stake high council, and a stake patriarch. He set an example of Christian living throughout his life.
Delbert's business accomplishments moved outside of real estate into banking and broadcasting. He was a director and vice president of the Bank of Commerce and founded KID Broadcasting Corporation. He and his wife Jennie were honored pioneers of the Bonneville County Historical Society. He was also inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame. His civic positions included president or chairman of the Chamber of Commerce,
Kiwanis Club, the Selective Service Board, the United Way, and the Bonneville Bicentennial Commission. He was given the Idaho 7th District Bar Association Liberty Bell Award, the BYU Alumni Service to Family Award, and the Presidential Citation Award from Brigham Young University.
While I have presented a long list of accomplishments, what I want to share with you most is that Delbert V. Groberg was a man of great integrity. I learned much from him in my childhood, lessons that continue to serve me well today. He was thoughtful, sensitive, and considerate. He was patriotic and civic-minded. Although his accomplishments are legion, he remained humble and interested. Despite his busy schedule, his children say they never felt neglected. Delbert served his community, his church, and his family and managed to do it all through difficult times in our country's history. His life is an outstanding example for all. He will be missed by his family, his community, and so many whose lives he has touched over nearly a century of living. I was privileged to know him and to have his influence in my life. For that, I will always be grateful.