Bernard A. Grewe

10/02/1923 – 09/23/2023 

Bernard A. Grewe, 99, known to friends and family as “Bernie,” died on Sept. 23,

2023, in Arroyo Grande, Calif. 

Bernie was born in Detroit, Michigan, on the east side of the city, on Oct. 2, 1923, the sixth of seven children of Bernard A. and Gertrude (Karp) Grewe. In his youth, he was a Boy Scout, and enjoyed ice skating on the Detroit River, bowling, table tennis and badminton. As a young man, he worked part time at the family business, the G&G Grocery on Woodward Avenue.

Bernie served with the U.S. Army during WWII with Battery B, 215th Field Artillery Battalion, in the 3rd Army and the 9th Army. He was awarded the following service and campaign medals: The American Campaign Medal, The Europe-North Africa-Middle East Campaign medals (3 battle stars): Ardennes-Alsace Campaign, Rhineland

Campaign, and Central Europe Campaign; WWII Victory Medal; and Army of Occupation Medal (Germany). 

After the war, Bernie married Patricia Ann “Patti” McKay, the love of his life. In 1950, they moved to the San Fernando Valley, Calif., where they raised six children. He had a career in the grocery/wine retail business. In 1977, a business opportunity in Montecito arose and they relocated to the small beach town, Carpinteria, Calif. 

Bernie and Patti loved walking on the beach and enjoyed stopping for a cup of coffee on their way home. Bernie was an avid Detroit Lions and Michigan State football fan. Even though he was not much of a swimmer, he often joked that he was out bodysurfing when he was actually running daily errands. In his retirement, Bernie wrote many stories about his life experiences that he shared with his children.

Patti predeceased Bernie. He was a loving father to Pandora Carlucci and her husband Gino, Nell Quijano and her husband Eddy, Bill Grewe and his wife Tammie, March Ann Noles and her husband Larry, Mary Jo Cali and her husband Wayne and Tom Grewe and his wife Lyse. He was a devoted grandfather to 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was a caring uncle to his nieces and nephews and a valued friend to many.

He was predeceased by his siblings Marie Grewe, Agnes G. Wersching, David B. Grewe, Eugene F. Grewe, Elizabeth G. Henrichs and Joann G. Reed. Bernie’s children and friends will always remember his whistle and his baby blue eyes. His donations supported several churches and many charitable, civic and community organizations. His life epitomized the importance of family, faith and generosity to others. Bernie’s life was well-lived.

Burial and services will be private. Bernie’s family thanks the staff at Wyndham Residence and Wilshire Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.