The Duluth Bethel celebrates the life of Rev. Graden Grobe, former executive director, who led the organization through a period of rapid change from 1953 to 1972 while keeping it focused on its historical mission of helping Northlanders overcome life’s challenges.
Grobe, 98, died Jan. 21, 2020 at the Benedictine Health Center in Duluth. Family and friends recently held a memorial service celebrating his life and contributions to the region.
Grobe’s career as a pastor and helper of people spanned 75 years, with much of his work taking place in Duluth. He grew up with his family on site at the Bethel, 23 Mesaba Ave., while his father, William, led the organization.
“The Bethel was a big part of Graden’s life, starting when he was a boy,” said Bethel Executive Director Dennis Cummings. “When he took over shortly after World War II, the Bethel was still largely a mission focused on helping men working in shipping and traditional industries such as forestry and mining deal with alcoholism, hunger, homelessness and poverty. Graden reorganized and expanded the organization, adding the Lake Venoa property in Carlton County as well as programs focused on more current problems of society.”
Those issues continue to be helping people overcome substance abuse, including alcoholism and drug abuse. The Bethel now also provides community corrections alternatives to jail and prison for men and women completing their sentences and preparing to re-enter the workforce and society.
“The organization you see today began to take shape under Graden’s leadership,” Cummings said. “Even after Graden left the Bethel, he stayed in close contact with us. He would always ask about what we were doing and how the people were doing. He remained committed to the Bethel to the end. We will miss his presence. But we feel his spirit every day through the work that continues to help people.”
Grobe’s family asked that those wishing to remember him donate to the Bethel. Tax-deductible contributions can be made through the website or by writing a check to the Duluth Bethel and mailing it to: Executive Director Dennis Cummings, Duluth Bethel, 23 Mesaba Ave., Duluth, Minn., 55806.