Norbert Albert Grona

Norbert Albert Grona Jr. passed away in Bloomfield on March 27, 2025, at the age of 88. Norbert was born on July 24, 1936, to Norbert and Gertrude Grona in San Antonio, Texas.

He attended Central Catholic School and graduated in 1955. Norbert served in the U.S. Army as a radio technician from 1956 to 1959. He later worked for El Paso Natural Gas, first serving at the Eunice plant and then transferring to the Chaco plant in 1963 Norbert also worked overseas in Algeria, where he was responsible for shipping LNG by boat to America, a role he held for four years.

In 1981, Norbert returned to Bloomfield, where he and his wife raised their six children. He loved photography and was a devoted father who was always involved in his children's sports. He enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, and riding bikes. Norbert was a member of the Knights of Columbus and attended St. Mary Catholic Church in Bloomfield.

Norbert was preceded in death by his son, Norbert “Nobby” Grona III; his parents, Norbert and Gertrude Grona; and his brother, Champ Albert Grona.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra S. Grona; his son, Robert F. Grona; his daughters, June Kopmann, Cynthia Blockovich, Patricia J. Grona, and Kelley D. Willems; and his sisters, Regina Hammers and Renee Gasperec. Norbert also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A funeral rosary and Mass will be held on May 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (307 N Church St, Bloomfield, NM 87413). Services will be officiated by Father Jim Walker. A reception will follow the services.