Author: Kyrstin Pull

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Leonard “Carl” Grieb

July 1928 – March 2026


Leonard “Carl” Grieb a native of Arroyo Grande and lifetime resident of the Central Coast passed away March 3, 2026, at the age of 97, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was looking forward to being reunited with his bride of 75 years, Barbara, who passed away in May 2025.

Carl was born July 27, 1928 to Fred and Gertrude (Haven) Grieb and was the 8th of 9 children, all of whom have proceeded him in death.

Carl graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1947 and he married the love of his life, Barbara Lucille Decker, February 12, 1950. They have 3 daughters, Wynetta (Kevin) McClain and Margie (Scott) Runels of Oregon and Connie (Stan) Willems of Arroyo Grande. They have 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carl was a dairy farmer in the 1950’s, an operating engineer for 25 years with Engel and Gray, of Santa Maria and always a cattle rancher and horseman. He accomplished so many things that most people would never even attempt.

In the early years he loved to run his hound dogs and enjoyed hunting a few nights a week. After retirement he enjoyed team penning, pack trips, hunting, cowboying and helping others. He was a good provider and very generous. He had a very strong work ethic, which he passed on to his daughters at an early age and loved competition. Even as a young boy Carl loved to buy, sell and trade. The story is
even told of him trading away his sister, Lorna’s cat! Even up to a couple of years ago he was still buying, selling and trading goats, pigs and cattle.

Carl was an avid reader, did suduko and loved a good game of Sorry. He loved to laugh, he loved his caregivers and he always loved a good practical joke. He was the best friend anyone could ever have and he always helped anyone who needed it. He loved his Lord and most of all his wife and family.

The legacy of Carl Grieb will live on for many generations.

A Celebration of Life and BBQ will be held April 11th, 11:00am at Grace Bible Church, 100 Rodeo Drive, Arroyo Grande.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations to honor Carl, who loved the youth and agriculture can be made to: Apela Foundation, Ag Adventure Day Camp, 4293 Lopez Dr. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 Coastal Christian School, Ag Dept, 1005 N. Oak Park Blvd., Pismo Beach, CA 93449

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Having a Christian Mother Meant

*Having to go to Good News Club or Sunday School when you rather be out playing.
*Always being encouraged to learn Bible verses.
*Going to Bible camps and DVBS in the Summer & maybe even getting stuck with your mother as the teacher.

It meant…
Helping around the house instead of watching cartoons on Saturday morning.

It meant…
Getting up early to feed the animals before school in order to learn responsibility.

It meant…
Being punished when you did something wrong and always being expected to tell the truth.

It meant…
*Sharing your food and especially the cookies with every Tom, Dick or Harry who lost a loved one, had surgery or just was having a hard time.
*Not knowing if your friends liked you for yourself or because your Mother was the best Homeroom Mother, 4-H leader or Sunday School teacher around.

It meant…
Saying grace when you thought you were starving to death, and having family dinner devotions when you would rather be sleeping.

It meant…
*Being kicked out of your bed for every missionary or singing group that came along.
*Having to share your bathroom with several foster kids & exchange students over the years.

It meant…
*Praying for a safe trip & then singing gospel choruses all the way to the destination, instead of listening to the latest songs on the radio.

Friendship
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Friendship

For Connie on her 50th

Sunflower: Tips for Growing Tall Sunflowers

Friendships are like little flowers in the garden of life.

They are watered with the tears of heartache and joy, and warmed with the sunshine of love.

Some are delicate and must be handled with care. Some are short lived and fade quickly.

But others last a life time and each year as life’s pruning shears cut deeper, the friendship and the friend become more beautiful . The roots go deeper , the thorns are easier to over look and their beautiful fragrance. Like pleasant memories linger on.

Margie
July 1994