Michael Ernest ‘Mike’ Grohl, 54, died Tuesday, April 2.
He was born in the original Oakdale Hospital to parents John and Gerna Grohl. At that time children were not allowed in the hospital, so his sister Cindy and brother Ron first viewed him through the back window of the nursery.
He attended Oakdale Elementary Grammar School, then Oakdale High School where he was active in football, track and wrestling. He was also active in FFA, showing a pig one year and steers the rest, and served as FFA President during his senior year. Upon graduation he attended Modesto Junior College and held a starting position on the MJC football offensive line for two years. He later transferred to Fresno State College where he graduated with a degree in Ag Science.
He married his high school sweetheart, Robin Brown during his first year at Fresno State. While he attended school, his wife worked at the Firestone Tire Shop in Fresno. They were married for 35 years. The bond between the two was one that every married couple should strive to have.
After graduation, they returned to Oakdale and he started farming on the family ranch and ran a custom hay operation. During the winter months when the farming operation was slow, he worked part-time for Hughson Chemical (now Wilbur Ellis). He was hired full-time, worked in operations, became a Pest Control Advisor (PCA) and worked his way up to managing the Hughson Branch of Wilbur Ellis.
Mr. Grohl loved to play golf and was a member of the Oakdale Golf and Country Club. For eight years he served as President of the OHS Sports Booster Club. He was President of the USA Wrestling Association and was also a USA Official. For several years he was a member of the Oakdale Lions Club and helped with the Lion’s All Star Football Game. When OHS had its Centennial celebration, he was named to the Centennial All Star Football Team. He was also a member of the Quarterback Club.
He was a very selfless person. Anyone he met became a friend and there wasn’t anything that he would not do for his family and friends. He became a father figure for many young people who came into his life. He will truly be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Robin; sons, Garrett and Grayson; daughter-in-law, Jamie; mother, Gerna Grohl; sister, Cindy (Tom) Robinson; brother, Ron (Betty) Grohl; and many other family members and friends.
A memorial service was held Saturday, April 6 at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Oakdale Center for Human Services, 631 W. F St., Oakdale CA 95361.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
April 10, 2013
