GyBill
06-03-2009, 03:33 PM
John Warren Gripe, Born on July 28, 1923 in the Irvington neighborhood of Indianapolis, IN to Otto and Bertha Gripe. He was born at home, delivered by his father who was a doctor. Known by many as "Babe" because he was the youngest of four brothers, John passed away in Santa Rosa, CA on February 25, 2009 after a full and inspiring 85 years. He grew up in Indianapolis and attended Public School 57 and Arsenal Technical High School, where he was active in speech and debate teams. During his senior year he won the school's top speech award and gave a motivational address to over 5000 students. He was very active in Boy Scouts, obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout and often participated in activates at Camp Chanktunungi, near his home. John attended Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, II, but his education was delayed by World War II when he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. After training at Paris Island, SC, and Quantico, VA, John was sent to the pacific and attained the rank of 2nd Lt. He supervised many units, including one comprised of all African American Marines. After the war he returned to college, and graduated from Denison University, in Granville, OH. He continued to develop his people skills with several jobs during college, including becoming the prestigious headwaiter in the school dinning room. John obtained his MBA from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. He became a salesman in the mid-west states selling pre-fabricated homes for the National Homes Co. He grew tired of driving his routes and areas, and decided to take up flying for his commute travel. This was the realization of his most loved passion, aviation. He owned several small airplanes over the next 30+ years, and loved flying. He had several thrilling experiences and survived a dramatic crash near Cleveland without a scratch. It was in 1955, that John met Peg Gustafson who was a ticket agent in the Cleveland TWA ticket office. They married in 1955 and were happily married for 44 years, until her passing. Peg worked for TWA for close to 35 years and they had many worlds adventures to places like Scandinavia, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, Spain and many more. John climbed to the top of the great pyramids of Giza, in Cairo Egypt, he walked the jungles of South Africa with a machete, and he bartered with the salesmen of Hong Kong. After living in Phoenix for two years, John and Peg came to Santa Rosa in the early 1960's. He went to work for Young America Homes. For many years they were a staple of home development in the region. He worked for them for about 30 years until his retirement. As a Vice President in sales and marketing, he helped many young people achieve the "American Dream" by purchasing their first home. He was active with the company in many ways including sales, advertising, business affairs, public speaking opportunities, etc. He made many good friends and acquaintances throughout the area in City government, banking institutions, mortgage and loan associations, architectural firms, floor covering companies, appliance retailers, and the building industry in general. He was active officer in organizations such as, Building Industry Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and various homeowner associations. Through the years John continued to support his educational institutions and was "Class Agent" on many occasions for fundraising and reunion events. He will always be remembered for his riveting and entertaining storytelling abilities, his true warmth and genuine friendship, his strength of character, his patriotism, his tremendous memory for every topic imaginable, and the ever-present cigar he usually possessed. John is survived by his son, Brett Gripe, daughter-in-law Cheryl, and grandson, Jonathan, all of Santa Rosa, and his brother Dr. Richard Gripe and sister-in-law Jean, of West Lafayette, IN, brother Rev. Alan Gripe of Rochester, NY, brother Normal Gripe of Placida, FL, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Celebration on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of the Roses, Hahman at Patio Ct, Santa Rosa. In honor of John's lifelong love for oratory and public speech, a scholarship as been founded in his name. Donations may be made to the Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation, 1501 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, Ca 95401, Attn: John Warren Gripe Memorial Scholarship. DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES (707) 525-3730