Obituary: Robert A. Gruber - Class of 1955

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Robert A. Gruber, age 74, of Madison passed away on Monday, April 18, 2011. He was born on Jan. 25, 1937, the son of Richard and Dorothy (Rowe) Gruber. He married Sharon Herschleb on Dec. 28, 1961. Bob graduated from Madison Central High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army. Bob was a 32nd Mason, and a member of Masonic Lodges Commonwealth #325 and Daylight #362. He was a member of the Zor Shrine, Starlight Chapter #283 OES, and a life member of Scottish Rite. Bob was also a member of the VFW #1318 and the Luther Memorial Church where he taught Sunday school and served on many committees. He received honors from the three Masonic youth groups (Legion of Honor for DeMolay, Member of Honor of Job's Daughters, and the Grand Cross for Rainbow for Girls). Bob was a Wisconsin PGA official, and loved spending time on the golf course. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and was a lifelong Badgers fan. Bob is survived by his wife, Sharon; four children, Bob Jr. (Cindy), Tom (friend, Debbie Benicek), Kris (Doug) Engbring, and Kevin; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Betty Lee Gloe. Funeral services will be held at LUTHER MEMORIAL CHURCH, 1021 University Avenue, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 25, 2011, with the Rev. Brad Pohlman presiding. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park with a Masonic service at the gravesite at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. A special thank you to Dr. Paul Wertsch, Dr. Ed Pendergast, and Dawn from HospiceCare, Inc. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Luther Memorial Church or HospiceCare Inc. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 20, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldiek, Class of 1968)