Rod Grueb

Rod Grueb, 73, of Onida, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Visitation will be held 5:00-6:30pm, Monday, September 7, 2026 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Onida with the evening concluding with a wake service and sharing at 6:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00am, Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Onida with burial following at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Agar.  Condolences may be conveyed to the family and his services may be viewed online at www.feigumfh.com.

Rod was born to Walter and Matilda (Moelter) Grueb on March 16, 1953, and grew up near Faith, South Dakota, alongside his siblings Linda, Herb, Irma, and Larry. Rod attended Fox Ridge Country School and graduated from Faith High School in 1971. Although life would eventually take him East River, Rod always remained a Longhorn at heart.

While attending college, Rod began working for the railroad, a career that would span much of his working life. In 1976, he met Tawana Zebroski, and the two were married in July 1977. Their son, Nathan, was born in 1980, followed by their daughter, Karla, in 1983. In 1984, the family moved to Tawana’s family farm in Onida.

Rod continued working for the railroad while slowly building his own ranch and cattle herd. He was a quiet and supportive man who found great satisfaction in seeing his family succeed. Even when he didn’t necessarily like the expenses, he supported his children and grandchildren in rodeo life. On one occasion, Rod even changed his political party for a few weeks so he could vote for Tawana when she ran for commissioner—a small example of the steadfast support he gave his family throughout his life.

Rod spent a short time serving as a Sully County Weed and Pest Supervisor before returning to the railroad, where he remained until his retirement. Retirement gave Rod the opportunity to concentrate on what he truly enjoyed—his cattle and, especially, his grandchildren. He was proud to watch them grow and was always willing to lend a hand. Rod’s competitive streak was evident during any kind of game, especially card games...it was all about winning....even to beat the grandkids.

One of Rod’s greatest sources of pride was helping both of his children establish agricultural operations of their own. After years of balancing work, family, and ranching, Rod was able to spend the last 15 years living the life he had always dreamed of.

Rod is survived by his wife, Tawana Grueb; son, Nathan and his wife, Sara, and their children, Reagan, Radley, and Royce; daughter, Karla Kendrick and her husband, Chris, and their children, Cruz, Creed, and Klancy; sister, Linda Lensgrav and her husband, Wayne; brother, Herb Grueb and his wife, Marcia; sister, Irma Fees and her husband, Kevin; brother, Larry Grueb and his wife, Beth; as well as numerous nephews, one niece and a host of extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Matilda Grueb, mother in law Beverly Zebroski, father-in-law Phil Zebroski, and sister-in-laws Debra Grueb and Terah Zebroski.