Robert DeGrave 

The year 1955 was definitely a busy one for Bob.  After getting out of the service in 1954, he began work at the Green Bay Press-Gazette on Valentine’s Day of 1955, staying with the paper until his retirement in 1993.  He married his wife, Helen in 1955.  Then, something told him to check out the Knights of Columbus.  No one asked him about membership, but he remembers images of the Fourth Degree Knights from his childhood.  Those images were of dedicated men and they were an inspiration to him.  He especially remembers thinking “Someday, I’d like to be one of those.”  So, one evening he took a walk which brought him to a meeting of Council 617, and he added to his list of accomplishments in 1955 by joining the Knights.  He eventually advanced through the Fourth Degree at an exemplification in Milwaukee in 1980, which makes him the most senior Fourth Degree member of Council 10243.  All other Fourth Degree members of our Council have made the Degree since 1991.

 

A native of Green Bay, Bob has led an active life, and that lifestyle spilled over into the Knights.  He has found himself associated with numerous activities such as dances and committees, and the activity that seems to involve most all Knights--the Tootsie Roll drive.  He also has been involved in several job-related groups and organizations, in addition to being quite involved in the Jay Cee’s and he recalls working with their shut-in program.  In his retirement he continues that active lifestyle, as he volunteers his time at numerous activities.  He currently helps out at Bellin Hospital in the transport of patients and their records as well as equipment, in addition to general ‘gopher’ duties--”We go for records, go for patients, and go for whatever they need.” He takes advantage of Bellin’s Health Connection in Green Bay, noting that one occasionally needs to work out in order to handle transport duties.  He figures he puts on four miles in every four hour shift at the hospital.  He also does some volunteer work at the Weidner Center, and he and his wife are helping things along at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens and the NEW Zoo.  He’s also looking at possibly some involvement with the Red Cross. 

 

In his time with the Press-Gazette, he initially had the opportunity to work on some stories highlighting the activity of the Knights.  He began working in the Dispatch Department, making his way through varied sales and advertising assignments until he became Assistant Classified Manager and ultimately Classified Manager, a position he held for nearly thirty years.  Though he recently transferred to Council 10243, Bob and his family have been a part of St. Bernard parish since 1962.  He has served the parish as an usher and as a member of the Holy Name Society, in addition to his countless civic involvements.  He also remembers devoting time to parish picnics.  His wife, Helen, is one of the voices in the Choir.  Bob and Helen have been married since 1955 and have six children and thirteen grandchildren; one son, David DeGrave, is also a member of Council 10243.  Though incredibly active even in retirement, Bob does find time for some relaxation, and he and Helen enjoy biking, hiking and cross country skiing.  He also tries to get to the golf course four times a week in season.  We can all be grateful for all that Bob has done for the Knights and for the community.

 

April 1996