Gresham resident, Bob Grokett died on Friday, September 7, 2012. He was 87.
A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
Robert William Grokett was born on March 15, 1925 in Jefferson, Oregon. He was raised in Gresham and received his schooling there. Shortly after graduating from Gresham High School, he entered the U.S. Marine Corps and served during WW II in 1942. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he furthered his education at OTI (Oregon Technical Institute) in Klamath Falls where he studied watch making. He later moved to Salem where he pursued his career as a watch maker and met his future wife.
On September 9, 1950 he was united in marriage to Joyce Schwab in Bend. The following year, they moved to Sandy where they started their business, Grokett Jewelers and began their family. He and Joyce owned and operated the jewelry store together.
On January 26, 1982, Joyce preceded Bob in death. He continued working as a watch maker until 1983 when he closed the store and began working from home.
December 27, 1983 Bob married Mary Ann Beier in Sandy. They lived in Sandy until 1990 when they moved to Milwaukie where Bob continued working from his home. Mary Ann preceded Bob in death in January of 2008. That same year, Bob moved to Gresham where he made his permanent home and enjoyed retirement.
Surviving is his son and daughter in law, Greg and Paula Grokett of Gresham; his step sons, Wes Wright of Bend, Rob Teague of Portland and Todd Wright of Milwaukie; his brother, Howard Grokett of California.
Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. He loved and was passionate about his life long career as a watch maker. Bob enjoyed a good meal and conversation at Bocelli’s Ristorante in Gresham nightly, 7 days a week for the last 4 years. He also spent the majority of his days sitting by his son’s side watching him create jewelry.