Raymond Grob Jr.

Raymond G. Grob, Jr., known to everyone as Ray, of Fremont, Ohio, passed away on April 14th, 2026. Born March 20, 1930, to Raymond G. Grob and Gladys Rundle Grob. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Margaret, his Son, Joseph Lee Grob and his wife of 70 years, Jane Ann (Hoffman) Grob. The couple were high school sweethearts and were married in 1950. Surviving is his daughter, Dianne Marie (Richard) Grob of Vashon Island Washington, daughter in law, Yvonne Grob of Fremont, 3 grandchildren, Bryan, Christy, Eric and 6 great grandchildren.

Grob joined the Navel Reserve while a senior in high school and served in the reserve for eight years. He served on active duty as a radioman during the Korean War. He was an FCC licensed amateur shortwave radio operator from age 14 and made thousands of two-way contacts from all corners of the globe. He organized the Sandusky Valley Amateur Radio Club in 1952 and served as its president several times.

With his father, he operated the Grob Camera Shop on Justice Street for many years and then became a nature photographer and media specialist, authoring three books and numerous magazine articles as well as columns for three newspapers and sport man’s tabloid. His writings are preserved in the archives at the Hayes Presidential Center at Spiegel Grove, where they may be viewed by arrangement with the librarian.

With his wife, Jane, the couple produced a 5-days-per-week radio show that was aired for 25 years on never fewer than four stations which made it one of the longest running radio shows of all time. The highlight of Grob’s media career was his work with schools. He presented more than 3,000 assembly programs on worldwide nature topics. Active in the Boy Scout movement, Grob organized Troop 400 for the Fremont American Legion Post and served as it’s Scout Master for 5 years. During that time the troop earned national honors for its tree planting and 14 of its members reached the rank of Eagle Scout. Grob was awarded the Silver Beaver award for outstanding service to youth.

Grob’s lifelong interest in the Sandusky River led to his efforts at having it named the first scenic river in America. Then, serving as chairman of the Advisory Council, he oversaw the purchase and development (by the state of Ohio)of parcels of land along the river as parks and access points, which included Wolf Creek Park (south of Fremont), which was purchased and developed by the state and turned over to the Sandusky County Park District at no cost. He organized the R.B. Hayes Chapter of the National Audubon Society during the 1960’s, serving several years as its president, while it grew and prospered. As a result of his widespread conservation efforts, he was named the Ohio Conservationist of the Year and was awarded the Homeday Medal by the Boy Scouts of America.

At the request of the deceased there will be no viewing or funeral service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Birchard Public Library, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Back to the Wild in Castalia.

 Arrangements have been entrusted to Hanneman-Keller Funeral Home in Fremont, Ohio. To leave online condolences and fond memories, please visit www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.

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