George Grobmeier

George O. Grobmeier, a longtime Moscow resident, died in Spokane, Washington on December 7, 2015, at the age 87. George was born in Carrollton, Kentucky on May 21, 1928, the son of Osmond and Margaret (Long) Grobmeier. His siblings included Emma Gene, Charlie and Joe. George grew up and went to school in Carrollton. At the age of 16, George joined the Merchant Marines in 1944. George enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1946 and was an inaugural member of the newly established, United States Air Force in 1947. George served as a team member that implemented and opened the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. George was a decorated veteran of WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam. After a distinguished Air Force career, retiring in 1972, he joined the staff at the University of Idaho in Moscow, overseeing various inventory and logistics programs. An ardent Christian, he played a key role in the largest Nazarene Church in Idaho. He and Diane were recognized nationally for their contributions and support of their local church, he was a long-term member of the Gideon's, and served on the Sciphre Institute Board. He loved to travel the world and in his younger years enjoyed fishing and golf. George and Cynthia Bishop were married in Carrollton, KY, raised four children and were married until 1974. Later that year, George married Diane (Koepp) Schenk at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane and they made their home in Moscow. George is survived by his first wife, Cynthia in Spokane; three children - James (Michiko) Grobmeier in Illinois, John (Maureen) Grobmeier in Tucson, AZ, and Linda (Brian) Loos of Spokane. He is also survived by the children of his second wife Diane; Jon (Marize) Schenk and Cindy Schenk; four grandchildren-Barbara, Mary, Cindy, and Jessica; and three great grandchildren. George also leaves a sister, Emma Gene Rizzo and a brother, Joe (Nancy) Grobmeier. George is preceded in death by his wife Diane in 2005, and his son Dennis in 2014, as well as his brother Charlie. The funeral service will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at Short's Funeral Chapel in Moscow. Pastor Wanda Aller of the Spokane First Church of the Nazarene Church will officiate. A burial will follow at the Moscow Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. The family suggests memorials be made to Hospice House North, 102 W. Rhoades, Spokane, WA 99208 or to Gideon's International - Palouse Hills Camp, PO Box 8553, Moscow, ID 83843. Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.