Great Living Cincinnatians: Honorees

John L. Strubbe, senior vice president, The Kroger Co., was known internationally for his innovative leadership in the areas of productivity and technological development in the retail industry. He was a major force in developing and implementing the use of computer scanners at the supermarket.

A native of Cincinnati, Strubbe was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering. He received his law degree from the U.C. Law School and was admitted to practice before the Ohio Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. He served in the U.S. Marines during World War II and the Korean War.

Prior to joining The Kroger Co. in 1950, he was associated with the law firm of Wood, Herron and Evans. Strubbe became general attorney for the company in 1959, vice president of law in 1961 and was elected corporate vice president in 1962, group vice president in 1977 and senior vice president in 1985.

He was responsible for Operation Services in the areas of store operation services, distribution operations, distribution administration, traffic management information services, supply and equipment purchasing, energy use and conservation as well as loss prevention and security.

In addition to his outstanding achievements with The Kroger Co., Strubbe was a leader in community affairs.

He was chairman of the board of The Elizabeth Gamble Deaconess Home Association, The Christ Hospital Inc. and The Christ Hospital; vice chairman of the University of Cincinnati Foundation; vice chairman of the distribution committee of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation; board member and vice president of development of the Cincinnati Ballet Company; member of the board of advisors to the Dean, University of Cincinnati College of Business Administration; general chairman of the 1967 United Appeal Campaign as well as past president of the Community Chest and Council, the Dan Beard Council, Boy Scouts of America, University of Cincinnati Athletic Team Scholarships, the Cincinnatus Association and the Associated Health Agencies.

In addition to being honored as a Great Living Cincinnatian, Strubbe received the Chairman’s Citation for Outstanding Industry Service, from the Supermarket Institute; the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from the University of Cincinnati and the Distinguished Alumni Award from U.C.’s College of Engineering; the Brotherhood Citation from the National Council of Christians and Jews; and Class Honoree, 1982 Eagle Scout of Honor, Dan Beard Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Strubbe died December 14, 1996.