Representative Robert J. Grandia View All Years

ROBERT J. GRANDIA

Mr. Speaker: Your committee, appointed to prepare a suitable resolution commemorating the life, character, and public service of the late Honorable Robert J. Grandia begs to submit the following Memorial:

Robert John Grandia was born December 28, 1914, near Leighton, son of John A. and Josena (Klyn) Grandia. He graduated from Pella High school in 1932. At the age of 17, Robert began working for other farmers to help his parents save the farm during the Great Depression. He then did carpentry work and worked at Brom’s hatchery for two years. During this time he married Carol Keuning. They had two children, Barbara Joyce and John Henry.

In 1945, the family moved to Eddyville where Bob and Carol (better known as “Tootie”) operated a restaurant with her brother. In 1947, they were living above “Bob & Al’s” when the Des Moines River flooded and destroyed their business and the children were rescued by boat through a second story window. The couples cleaned up and opened for business three more times before they were forced to close the doors. Bob went to work at the John Morrell Packing House in Ottumwa. The family moved back to Pella in 1949.

Bob’s long career of butchering and meat cutting had begun earlier at Klyn & De Winter Meat Market on Main Street in Pella. In 1950, the Grandia Locker opened in Otley. Later the business became Grandia Meat Processing, Inc. and was located just outside of town. Bob and “Tootie” operated that business along with their son John for many years until Bob’s retirement at the age of 65 in 1979.

Bob joined the Pella Lions Club in 1984 spending the next 20 years gathering glasses for VOSH. (Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity) For these acts of service, Bob received the coveted Warren Coleman and Melvin Jones awards.

Bob served on year on the Pella City Council. He was active for many years as a Trustee of the Porter Grove Cemetery Association; serving on the board for 30 years, many times as chairman. He served as an advisor to the board until the time of his death. He was a member of the Third Reformed Church in Pella.

A Republican, Mr. Grandia was a member of the Seventieth and Seventy-first General Assemblies.

Robert J. Grandia passed away April 24, 2005, at the age of 90.

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Eighty-first General Assembly of Iowa, That in the passing of the Honorable Robert J. Grandia, the State has lost an honored citizen and a faithful and useful public servant, and the House by this Resolution would express its appreciation of his service.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House, and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

JIM VAN ENGELENHOVEN

MARK DAVITT

CARMINE BOAL

Committee