[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 139 (Wednesday, December 8, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S12060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DELBERT V. GROBERG

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a civic leader 
in Idaho who passed away this week at the age of 98. Delbert V. Groberg 
was so active in community efforts in eastern Idaho that the local 
newspaper reported ``it would take the best part of a newspaper page to 
list'' his accomplishments. But I knew him best as a close family 
friend; the father of one of my best friends, Dr. George Groberg; and a 
man who held a place of trust and honor in the community for decades.
  Delbert and his late wife, Jennie Holbrooke, were married nearly 74 
years and are the parents of eleven children, all born and reared in 
Idaho Falls. His family was his proudest accomplishment, and he leaves 
behind Mary Jane, Richard who is currently serving an LDS mission in 
Finland, Joseph, Lewis, George, Julia, John, David, Delbert, Elizabeth, 
and Gloria, along with 64 grandchildren, 116 great-grandchildren and 
one great-great-grandchild. What a legacy he has fostered!
  His business accomplishments began in 1929 in real estate when he 
founded the D. V. Groberg Company in Idaho Falls. The company expanded 
into real estate sales, appraisals, property management and 
development, building subdivisions throughout the area. He served as 
the president of the Idaho Falls Real Estate Board and of the Idaho 
Real Estate Association. He was also the chairman of the Idaho Real 
Estate Commission and vice-president of the National Association of 
Realtors. Not surprisingly, he was selected as the Idaho Realtor of the 
Year. He was the first in southern Idaho to receive the professional 
designation from the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, 
which awarded him a lifetime membership. He was the founding president 
of its southern Idaho chapter.
  His interest in real estate led to an achievement that is a landmark 
in Idaho Falls--the siting and building of an LDS temple on the banks 
of the Snake River. He later served as president of the Idaho Falls LDS 
Temple from 1975 to 1980 and authored a book about the temple, ``The 
Idaho Falls Temple: The First LDS Temple in Idaho.''
  His service to his religion took many forms as well. He served as a 
bishop of the Idaho Falls Third Ward, a member of the South Idaho Falls 
Stake high council, and a stake patriarch. He set an example of 
Christian living throughout his life.
  Delbert's business accomplishments moved outside of real estate into 
banking and broadcasting. He was a director and vice president of the 
Bank of Commerce and founded KID Broadcasting Corporation. He and his 
wife Jennie were honored pioneers of the Bonneville County Historical 
Society. He was also inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame. His civic 
positions included president or chairman of the Chamber of 
Commerce, Kiwanis Club, the Selective Service Board, the United Way, 
and the Bonneville Bicentennial Commission. He was given the Idaho 7th 
District Bar Association Liberty Bell Award, the BYU Alumni Service to 
Family Award, and the Presidential Citation Award from Brigham Young 
University.

  While I have presented a long list of accomplishments, what I want to 
share with you most is that Delbert V. Groberg was a man of great 
integrity. I learned much from him in my childhood, lessons that 
continue to serve me well today. He was thoughtful, sensitive, and 
considerate. He was patriotic and civic-minded. Although his 
accomplishments are legion, he remained humble and interested. Despite 
his busy schedule, his children say they never felt neglected. Delbert 
served his community, his church, and his family and managed to do it 
all through difficult times in our country's history. His life is an 
outstanding example for all. He will be missed by his family, his 
community, and so many whose lives he has touched over nearly a century 
of living. I was privileged to know him and to have his influence in my 
life. For that, I will always be grateful.

                          ____________________