Delynn M. Grube

On Tuesday, March 14, 2023, our Dad, Delynn M. Grube left this earthly world at the age of 85. He was born November 11, 1937, in St. Anthony, ID to Merle and Evelyn (McKerigan) Grube. Dad grew up on the family ranch outside Ashton, ID where the ranch hands gave him the nickname Swede. It was on the family ranch, working with his father and brother that he developed a lifelong love of horses. In high school, he moved to Stevensville, MT to help with the family’s dairy farm.

After deciding to cut his high school career short, he enlisted in the Navy as a Reserve Seaman. He later joined the Idaho National Guard and served active duty in the Army before being honorably discharged. He didn’t share much about his military service but fondly reflected from time to time about chauffeuring dignitaries around Washington, DC, driving the Army Band to various engagements and holding the door for the President at the White House.

He returned to Montana where he worked seasonally for several years as a corral boss, wrangler, ranch manager, hunting guide, and broke horses for the Elkhorn and Nine Quarter Circle ranches in Gallatin Gateway. It was here that he met and married our mother, Nancy A. Terwilliger. He continued to work seasonally for the Nine Quarter Circle, Bar N and Deep Well ranches with winter months spent driving truck and working as a snowmobile guide. He enjoyed his time ranching and guiding, where many of his coworkers and clients became lifelong friends.

After several years of marriage, the surprise of a lifetime arrived, Twins! Seeking a more permanent occupation, he joined the ranks of civil servant as a heavy equipment operator for the National Park Service in Yellowstone, making this his career. While his marriage ended in divorce, he stayed in the area, eventually retiring from Yellowstone National Park. In his spare time, he served as the local brand inspector, a job he loved and continued to do well into retirement, a second career spanning 30 years.

In retirement, he made Ennis, MT his permanent home, but enjoyed a nomadic lifestyle with his RV and his faithful canine companions Jake and Stubbie. He spent his winters exploring the Southwest, visiting friends and indulging his love of rodeo. When in Ennis, he could be found visiting family in the Big Hole, driving the backroads and sipping coffee with friends at the Ennis Cafe.

The realities of a life well lived began to take their toll, with failing health, he moved into the Madison Valley Manor where he resided until his passing. We would like to thank the staff at the Manor for the excellent care, kindness and friendship they’ve provided these last few years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother (Jim) and sister (Judy).  He’s survived by his son, Shane (Sarah), daughter, Deanna (Bret), grandchildren, Martin and Sierra, and sisters Shirley and Linda, numerous nieces and nephews and friends who he considered family.

A Memorial Service will be held later in the summer in West Yellowstone when the weather is nice, and the snow has gone.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Madison Valley Manor in his name, 211 N. Main, Ennis, MT 59729.