Delbert Theodore Grumbach

It is with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Delbert Theodore Grumbach from Camden SC who departed this life peacefully at the age of 94 on 19 July 2025. He was a devoted husband, cherished father, an adored grandfather and friend to all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love for his family and immense pride in his service to the country through his career in the US Air Force and later contributions at Robert Bosch Corp.

Del Grumbach was born on May 15, 1931 in Grand Forks, Canada – the son of Frank and Esther Grumbach. His family lived in Curlew, Washington - near the border with Canada - and he later became a US citizen. He grew up on a large cattle ranch where he learned the farming way of life in a rural community.

He graduated from high school in Curlew and then graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Agriculture. He also went into Air Force ROTC while in school to serve the country.

He went to pilot training as a young officer and excelled to become a fighter pilot. He flew various aircraft such as the F-86, F-101, F-106, and the F-4. He made a 21 year career of the Air Force and had various assignment locations in the US and overseas. He enjoyed flying very much, but there were challenges. He survived debris damage to his aircraft from a mid-air collision involving two other aircraft in the 1950s. He completed two tours of duty in Vietnam during that conflict. He retired after his last assignment as a squadron commander at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

One of his first assignments was to Charleston Air Force Base in the late 1950s. There, he met and married the love of his life: a girl from Charleston, Margeret Johnson. They had two sons, Stephen and Robert. They traveled the various assignments together as a family and Del and Margeret were married for 50 years. Both Margeret and Del decided to retire in South Carolina after his AF career because of the people they knew, the climate, and the communities. Del and Margeret lived in Summerville and Columbia. Del had been living for the last 15 years in Camden SC.

After the Air Force, Del had a second career working initially for Roumillat Construction and then at Robert Bosch Corporation in North Charleston because he enjoyed working and continuing to serve in the private sector.

Besides work, Del was a family man and part of the community. He has consistently provided whatever he could to help family and friends. He made sure his sons were educated and provided them whatever skills and attention he could provide. He taught how to throw and catch, how to ride a bike, how to drive, and how to work with tools. He has maintained his affiliation and attendance with Lutheran churches wherever he has lived. Since moving to

Camden, he had been participating in a weekly senior social club. He also enjoyed gardening and boating.

Del is survived by his two sons Stephen of Fredericksburg VA and Robert of Camden SC; his daughter-in-law Sue of Fredericksburg VA; his brother Kenneth Grumbach of Curlew WA and sister Marilyn Schoonover of Medical Lake WA; his 5 grandchildren (Jasmine Souder of Hamilton VA, Laura Shea of Richmond VA, Meg Grumbach of Camden SC, Will Grumbach of Camden SC, Gray Grumbach of Camden SC); and his 4 great grandchildren (Cady, Jared, Jacob, Claire) Souder of Hamilton VA.

Delbert was preceded in death by his loving wife Margeret who passed away in 2010.

Del’s kindness and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him. A life well lived and a legacy that will continue through all those he loved.

A funeral service and graveside committal will be held at 11am on Saturday, 26 July at Bethany Cemetery in downtown Charleston SC. There will be a visitation prior to the service from 10am to 11am. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Kershaw County Humane Society.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.