Donald Lawrence Grupe
July 19, 1937 - September 18, 2026
Donald Lawrence Grupe, born July 19, 1937 in Lodi, passed away at home in Linden at the age of 89. Training in 1959 at the U.S. Army Ordnance Mechanical Maintenance School at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, he spent his career as a mechanic with the California National Guard. Thrifty to the core, he could fix nearly anything, loved going to auctions, was a dedicated member of the Linden Lions club, and counted the San Joaquin County Historical Society among his causes.
His joy in retirement was restoring WWII Willy’s Jeeps to historic accuracy and showing at vehicle preservation meets with the Military Vehicle Collectors of California. President of Joaquin Jeepers from 1970-71, he crossed the Rubicon Trail and off-roaded his way through much of the Sierra Nevadas. He was happiest in coveralls working in his home shop, but could be seen about town sporting a Linden Cherry Festival hat and popping into the Rod and Gun Club for a beer and a chat.
He is survived by his daughter Marla Williams of San Diego, and his son Mark McCall of Valley Springs.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Grupe family.
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