John Wesley Greb

John Wesley Greb was born on May 10, 1949, to Lawrence Rinehart Greb and Pauline Francis Smothers Greb in the family farmhouse near Huntington, Arkansas. He was the second of nine children. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Donald Greb and Lawrence Greb, his infant sisters Catherine Marie and Barbara Lynn, and his brothers-in-law Peter Sharp and Russell Lohr. He is survived by his sisters, JoAnn Waters (Jim), Mary Lohr, Pam Sharp and Bridget Trimble (Brian). He is also survived by his wife of 57 years, Charlene Picek Greb, and his children; Barbara Durkee (Joseph), Anne Smith (William), Michael, Christopher (Jennifer), Andrew Greb, thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

John grew up in a military family, moving several times because of his father's Army service. He attended multiple schools in Arkansas, Germany, Missouri and Texas. The family would eventually be transferred to Fort Sill Army Base in Lawton, OK where he would attend St. Mary’s Catholic High School. It is here that he met his future wife, Charlene Margaret Picek. They attended Cameron University in Lawton together and then married August 2nd, 1969.

While in college, John worked for a jewelry store eventually rising to management. His career transitioned to finance when he began working for Blazer Finance. This led to his transfer to Oklahoma City in a management position in 1975. From there, he moved to Credit Thrift Finance which eventually became American General, holding various management and district management positions within the company. Towards the end of his career, John was asked to travel around the country to train managers in struggling stores. John agreed under one condition – that he would always be home on Fridays to have lunch with Charlene as that was one of their long-standing weekly traditions.

John and Charlene joined the community of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church where all five of their children attended Rosary Catholic School. John was school board vice president and president for several years and even after his children graduated, he volunteered his time in the school cafeteria. He served the parish as a lector, minister of Holy Communion, and delivered meals with Charlene for Meals on Wheels every third Friday. John served the community as a volunteer for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) supporting foster children and traveled around the state to attend family sessions and court dates for his assigned wards.

John enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, attending ball games, musical productions, and Grandparent’s Day at their schools. He loved to travel with Charlene, especially road trips and particularly along Route 66. John will be remembered for his kindness, his patience, his quick wit, his unwavering devotion to his family, and the many ways he quietly gave his time and himself to others. He leaves behind a family who will miss his laughter, his stories, and his presence deeply.

Those who wish to join the family for a Rosary are welcome to gather at 6:40 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Smith and Kernke 23rd Street Chapel. A Vigil to celebrate John’s life will be after the Rosary followed by a come-and-go time of visitation with the family. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 21, at 10 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Burial will follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.