HURON — James L. Grube, 93, formerly of Huron, passed away Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 2019, at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck, North Dakota.
His funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 7, at the First Congregational Church, with Rev. Allen Sager officiating.
Burial will be at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery, with a luncheon following at the church.
Visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Kuhler Funeral Home, with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m.  A time of sharing special memories and stories will be held from 6:30 to 7.
James Grube was born January 9, 1926, in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Clarence and Naoma (Stark) Grube. The third of four sons, he graduated from Rapid City High School in 1944. He earned a B.S. from Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, South Dakota (1948) and an M.A. from Colorado State College of Education in Greeley, Colorado (1953).
He met Shirley Kleppin while teaching in Winner, South Dakota, and they married on June 17, 1951, in Wessington Springs, South Dakota.
Jim taught at Huron High School from 1953, until his retirement in 1987. When asked what he loved most in life, he often said, “teaching young people.” He was a gifted teacher who had a great sense of humor, and he was adored and appreciated by his students.
On a Facebook site of HHS graduates, he is remembered by some of his students:
“The best teacher I ever had. Ever kind, beautiful sense of humor. Someone to aspire to.” “What a great man. How all of us learned by his example. If there was ever a 5th face on Mt. Rushmore, Mr. Grube would be a great addition.” “He had a passion for teaching.” “Mr. Grube was such a gentle man and a gentleman. He was a favorite teacher of everyone who ever had a class with him.” “Mr. Grube was a dedicated teacher and caring person. He was unique in his ability to teach and relate to his students. I doubt that he forgot anyone. Teachers and people in general of this nature are few and far between.” “One of the funniest and best teachers ever.”  “One of the good ones.” “He was one of my favorite teachers, but you didn’t want to fall asleep in his class or you would get sprayed by the water bottle.” “Mr. Grube was just the very best man. Great teacher, tremendous sense of humor.  He made learning so much fun.” “James Grube was a gentle soul.” “He leaves so many students with excellent examples of kindness, thoughtfulness and compassion.” “He made all of us and Huron better.” “He was truly a reflection of all that is good about the teaching profession. Mr. Grube is one of the reasons I became a high school teacher. He made such an impact on so many of his students because we knew he loved teaching and he loved us.” “It’s easy to see why he rarely went anywhere in Huron without someone yelling, “Hi, Mr. Grube.”
The 1969 Tiger yearbook was dedicated to him, and he was voted Teacher of the Year in 1987. In 2013, a group of former students organized a “Mr. Grube Appreciation Day.” They celebrated his legacy with a party, a cake, and a card signed by 150 former students.
In addition to American history, Jim also taught speech, art, consumer education and Spanish. He was an active member in all areas of the Congregational Church. He was also a trout fisherman and an artist.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (2004); his parents; his brother, Richard, in WWII; his brothers, Robert and Roy; and his granddaughter, Isabelle Grube (2010).
Grateful for having shared in his life are his children, Dr. Thomas (Audrey) Grube of  Bismarck, N.D., and Mary Jane (Ed) Runyan of Barrington, Ill.; He loved children and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Annabelle, Thomas, and Cecilia Grube, all of Bismarck and Jack, Daniel, and Juliet Runyan, all of Barrington. He was a beloved uncle, relative, and friend of many, who will forever remember him for his kindness and sense of humor.
The family has designated memorial contributions to the First Congregational Church, 505 California Ave. SW, Huron, S.D.
Visit www.kuhlerfuneralhome.com
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