Ernest Eugene Grob

After living a long life of integrity, faith, and humility, Ernest “Ernie” Grob, 93, entered into eternal peace on August 6, 2016 in Burr Ridge, IL.

Ernie was born May 20, 1923 in Chicago, the son of the late Gustav and Emilie Grob. His sister is the late Helen Grob LeTourneur. He graduated from Carl Schurz High School in 1941. Ernie was a deeply patriotic man who devoted his entire career to military and federal government service. He proudly served in the US Navy in both WWII and the Korean conflict. His professional career also spanned over 30 years with the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic control specialist, including serving as an FAA liaison to the US Air Force. Ernie held positions in Cleveland, Sioux City, Kansas City, and in Chicago at both Midway Airport and the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center in Aurora. He was also an FAA representative at aviation events, including EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the Chicago Air and Water Show. He retired in 1980 as an FAA Operations Supervisor, responsible for the overall flow of air traffic in a seven state area.

Ernie loved the vitality of the city of Chicago as well as the peace he found in gardening, fishing, and boating on Lake Michigan. He was licensed as a private pilot. Ernie was previously a member of the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ellyn, where he and Clare lived for many years.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Clare (Satowis) Grob. He is also survived by his two daughters, Patricia (John) Kempton and Sharon (Thomas) Murphy and loving grandchildren, Carolyn, Lisa, Colleen and Karrie, as well as four great-grandchildren. 

All are welcome to attend a celebration of his life with his family and friends. Visitation is 4 to 8 pm Thursday, August 18 at Leonard Funeral Home, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL. A memorial Mass will be said at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Hinsdale on August 19 at 10 am. Interment to follow at St. Michael Cemetery in Wheaton, IL. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Honor Flight Chicago. 

Ernie will be fondly remembered as a man of gentle strength who was always seen with a smile on his face.  He was blessed with a heart full of gratitude for all of the good things in his life—a long, loving marriage, children, grandchildren, great-children, and a successful career. He often said, “I just can’t believe how lucky I am,” yet it is those who knew him who are truly the most fortunate. For funeral information please call 630-469-0032.

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