Edward “Ed” John Grebe, age 82, passed away peacefully at home on the family ranch near Sumatra, MT the evening of February 11, 2018.
Ed was born May 24, 1935 in Melstone, MT to Edward and Caroline (Sinning) Grebe. He was the third child and only son of Edward and Caroline, he joined two sisters Bonnie and Lavone. Ed was raised on the family homestead and remained there his entire life. He graduated from Sumatra High School in 1954, where he played basketball. He opportunities to play college basketball and decided to stay at the ranch to help his dad. In early years E.L and Ed operated a massive sheep ranch, and eventually running Black Angus cattle. Ed took pride in breeding AQHA horses as well as raising a large Bucking string. Ed was hardworking, dedicated father, grandfather, and huge part of the Melstone community. E.L. and Ed helped establish Melstone Congregational Church. Ed loved to go hunting, he spent time with his kids, grandkids, extended family and friends shooting prairie dogs, rattle snakes, hunting coyotes and Elk.
Ed had three children from his marriage to Virginia Kicker: John (JR), Laurie and Todd. He married Leta Eike January 3, 1970; they have one son, Jason. Ed and Leta welcomed several children into their family: Tom Petersen, Adair Rademacher, Kathy Hampton, Jason Huebner, Tyler Hampton and Jordan Kirby. They also hosted several exchange students.
Ed was active in several sports including basketball, rodeo, league bowling and golf. Rodeo was a passion for many years where he was a participant, avid supporter of high school rodeo and NRA stock contractor when he founded Go Rodeo Company. In 1980 Ed received Saddle Bronc of the year at Northern Rodeo Association Finals for his saddle bronc horse “Good Eye”, and in 1986 for the Bull of the year for his bull “Mountain Dew”. He was a founder and gold card member of the National Old Timers Rodeo Association. In 1983 He received awards for Saddle Bronc and Bareback Horses of the year. He was National Old Timers Rodeo Stock Contractor of the year in 1984 and 1986. One of his biggest accomplishments was receiving the Heritage award from the Montana Hall & Wall of Fame.
Ed was a huge supporter of youth rodeo in Montana, he helped start Youth Cowboy and Cowgirl Association, and put on many Youth Rodeo Association and Northern Rodeo Association Rodeos. Ed enjoyed watching his grandkids in rodeo, basketball and football; he never missed a game or rodeo. At the age of 80, he went with his family to Des Moines, Iowa to watch his grandson Brody at the National Junior High School Rodeo Finals.
Ed is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Bonnie McCaffree and Lavone Brewer, foster son Jason Huebner, and grandson Justin Copeland.
He is survived by his wife Leta, and children: daughter Laurie (Brian) Tusha of Gillette WY, sons John (JR) Grebe of Winnett, Todd (Julie) Grebe of Billings and Jason (Ricki) Grebe of Melstone. Granddaughters: Ashley Fullenwider, Jordan Kent and Emily Heston-Grebe. Grandsons: Brody, Bryce, Pistol and Cash Grebe, Jordan Kirby. Great granddaughters: Haevyn and Hudsynn Fullenwider, and Macy Copeland; Mother-in-law, Florence Eike.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Bob Eike Memorial % Jason Grebe, Box 195, Melstone, MT, to support Melstone Athletics.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Sunday February 18, 2018
Melstone High School Gymnasium
Melstone, Montana 59054
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Sunday February 18, 2018
Melstone High School Gymnasium
Melstone, Montana 59054
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John & Nikki Brown says
Ed was a great man. We had pairs on his place in ‘88. It was great to visit with him. He knew a lot!
Our sympathies to all of his family.
The Jensen's says
Ed was a great friend and will be dearly missed. My favorite time of the year is going up antelope hunting at his place in the fall and getting to see him and his family and hear him tell some of his old rodeo stories. Thank you for all those memories Ed.
Pat & Bob Corbin says
Ed was a great guy. He was always so supportive of the kids activities. Not just his kids but the communities kids. Always had time to visit. He will be missed by all. RIP Ed. Hugs and prayers to his family.
Arlene Warren says
I did not know Ed well but I know he was known well in the Melstone, Sumatra communities and respected as a neighbor and parent, Grandparent. He was married to my cousin, Virginia. My condolences to Laurie and Todd and the remaining family and friends. Rest in Peace.
Randy, Janet, Rachel & Randi Stanhope says
We are so very sorry for your loss. All our prayers are sent to you and yours.
Elva Arthur says
My thoughts and prayers are with Leta and family at this time. Peace be with you. love always! Elva and Family..
Jim Rye says
I find peace in knowing Eddie is in a better place with a new body and pain free…what a dandy he was..loved to see him laugh…RIP tough old cowboy…my prayers are with the family at this time…God bless!
Cathy Emmons says
I never visited with Ed without thinking what a grand gentleman he was. I can only imagine how you are feeling your loss at this time. Keep your memories close and know that you have the prayers of many.
Bob and Cathy Emmons – Hysham
AnnaRose Walter says
We will miss you dear friend . A true Western gentleman and great guy . Wonderful sense of humor . Melstone community will miss him .. Our prayers and thoughts go out to Leta , Jason and the family . Heaven has gained a great cowboy ….. Happy Trails ………