Arlene (Arly) Margaret Gruber, age 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8^th, 2020 at her home in Rock Falls, WI, with family by her side.  Arly was born June 24, 1930, in Rock Falls to Vincent and Genevieve (Yenny) Schuh.  On October 4, 1950, she married Kenneth Gruber of Bear Creek, Town of Canton.  They moved to Rock Falls and bought the Swan farm in 1953.  Arly and Ken enjoyed farming and were great support to son Chris when he took over operations in the mid 1980’s.

Arly was very active in the community, volunteering at St. Joseph Catholic Church- Rock Falls, Sacred Heart Hospital, and 4-H.  Throughout her youth she provided childcare for new mothers. She worked with Helwig catering for many years forming lifelong friendships.  Family and friends savored her potato salad, cinnamon and poppy rolls.  Arly made many quilts and afghans for people in the community and for Sacred Heart Hospital palliative care patients.  Arly knit hundreds of baby hats over the years with many donated to Sacred Heart Hospital.  The latest project was Dresses for Africa.  Arly enjoyed baking, playing cards, sewing, and spending time in her gardens.  Arly was God’s faithful servant; family, neighbors, and friends cherished her.

Arly is survived by daughter Jenny Gruber, daughter Penny Broberg and her husband Dean, daughter Carol Williamson and her husband Jeff, son Chris Gruber and his wife Kelly, daughter Carma Koller and her husband Randy.

Grandchildren include Curtis Broberg, Rachael (Broberg) Morton and her husband Scott, Kyle Williamson and his wife Mandi, Claire Williamson, Michael Biederman, McKenna Gruber, Morganne Gruber, Marissa Koller, and Jon Koller.  Great grandchildren include Kendrick, Isaac, and Lauren Morton; and David and Liam Williamson.  Being from a family of nine, there are many nieces and nephews.

Arly is also survived by brother-in-law Larry Gruber (Rita), and sisters-in-law Marie Gruber, Leona Gruber, Martha Gruber, and Deb Schuh.

Arly was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Gruber, son Kenneth (Chuck) Gruber, son-in-law Bruce Collins and her parents; also brothers Roman Schuh (Clara), Frank (Emma), Louis (Winifred), Ed (Doris), Richard (Beatrice), and Kenneth; sisters Ann (Herman Bauer), and Lorraine (Duane Thalacker); brothers-in-law William, Clarence, and Glenn Gruber; sister-in-law Evelyn Sabelko (Hubert).

The family requests memorials be sent to Sacred Heart Hospital, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rock Falls, “Good Days” (https://www.mygooddays.org), or a charity of your choice.

The family thanks the staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire Medical Clinic, the American Lutheran Home in Mondovi, and St. Josephs Hospice for the love and care they showed Arly.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

Rhiel Funeral and Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Cindy Butler Weiss May 13, 2020, at 8:21pm

   So sorry to hear about your Mom. Our parents had some good times together. Cherish the memories.

2. Barb Heffernan May 13, 2020, at 7:22am

   I have such fond memories of Arly. Bowling together and working at church functions. She was a joy to be around, and will be missed very much!

3. Deanna Rippley May 12, 2020, at 8:49am

   To Arly's family,
   Very sorry for your loss. We were so glad to meet her. We knew she was a special person. Deanna and Gerry

4. Bill and Gloria Hager May 12, 2020, at 7:52am

   Our deepest sympathy Jenny.

   Sincerely,

   Bill and Gloria Hager

5. David and Betty Myren May 11, 2020, at 10:45am

   We had a lot of great times and fond memories of times we spent together with Arly and Ken when the guys were on the Electric Coop Board. They were wonderful people.

6. Shirley Jensen May 10, 2020, at 10:44pm

   I'm so sorry for Arly's passing. She was a 2nd mom to me in college, and in all the years since. Larry and I spent so many wonderful times on the farm with all the Grubers. I know you must be heartbroken. The only words I have for all of you is I love you and God will give you peace. It will take a long time, just as with your Dad. Your parents were awesome Christian people who raised wonderful Christian children. I'm saying prayers for all of you, and all of Arly's grandchildren and great grandchildren. You've lost a beautiful mother.

7. Jim Jensen May 10, 2020, at 12:29pm

   Lots of wonderful childhood memories especially Arly’s sticky cinnamon buns. Yummy!
   With a heavy heart, god bless and my prayers are with you today. JimJ

8. Gloria and George Welk May 10, 2020, at 11:53am

   Jenny our friend. We are sending our sympathy for your loss. We fondly recall our visit and stay at your country place and the breaking of the bread we shared with you and your Mother. Great memories. Your friends, Gloria and George

9. Mike & Sue Hayden May 10, 2020, at 10:04am

   So sorry for the loss of your mom & grandmother.
   With our sympathy.

10. Lori Falkner May 9, 2020, at 6:05pm

    I am speaking on behalf of my dear Mom, Rita Biesterveld. Mom absolutely loved Arly. Growing up in Rock Falls, Mom was very active in the church with her dear friend Arly. As years went by, Mom always still had so much love for her. A few years ago, Arly had a few health problems and Mom was sad to see her dear friend declining. Well, as fate would have it, Mom got cancer and went downhill very fast. Christmas Eve Mom wanted to go to mass, and after the mass, she made her way to where Arly was sitting. She wanted to say good bye to her dear friend. It meant so much to her to have that last embrace and good bye. Some people have a lasting impact on others, and clearly Arly had that . I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Arly. And with tears in my eyes, I can imagine all the quilts, clothes for orphans, prayer shawls, and various other projects they are working on together as they are united in heaven.

11. Jane & Adolph Pichler May 9, 2020, at 1:46pm

    Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to our to each of you in the passing of this beautiful lady Arly!
    Her memory will live on......in the hearts of many for a very long time ~
    Rest in peace Arly ~ ♥️????????????

12. Larry and Rita Gruber May 9, 2020, at 1:37pm

    To all the family. So sorry for your loss. We will miss her too. Lots of fond memories.

13. Don & Mary Kliner May 9, 2020, at 12:52pm

    Without deepest sympathy for your loss. Sending hugs and love to Chris, Kelly and all the Grubers. ❤️????❤️

14. Nadine Schuh May 9, 2020, at 10:30am

    I was so sad to hear of Arly's passing. I'll remember her for calling me and offering to bring food for church events. And, at our corn fests, it was fun working with her at cutting pies. She will be missed by many.

15. Richard Bates May 9, 2020, at 9:46am

    Family of Arlene: So sorry to hear of your loss. We will remember Arlene in our prayers.

    Dick & Jan Bates

16. Barb Bauer Gibson May 9, 2020, at 7:16am

    Arly was a wonderful lady. She watched over my family when we were Young. Sympathy to the family. Will miss her. Barb

17. Barb Bauer Gibson May 9, 2020, at 7:14am

    Arly was a wonderful lady. She watched over my family when we were Young. Sympathy to the family. Will miss her. Barb

18. DEBRA EPP May 9, 2020, at 5:30am

    Love and hugs, Carma and family....we can keep them so long and then God wants/needs them back for whatever reason....I know you were very close to your mom and knowing you, you will see this as a blessing. Your mom is dancing in heaven with your dad and in the arms of Jesus. There will be many hills and valleys the next year experiencing all the 1st without your mom....I know you to be strong physically, emotionally, and spiritually...and I know you will reach out to others as you go through those hills and valleys. That being said please contact me if there is anything I can do for you and your family. I think of you fondly, my heart is with you.

19. Lori Pederson May 8, 2020, at 10:44pm

    So sorry to hear about your mother Carol...she was such a sweet ladies..thoughts go out to you and your family..

20. Robert Radle May 8, 2020, at 8:56pm

    My deepest condolences to the family

21. Sara Bushendorf May 8, 2020, at 8:02pm

    Dear Gruber family, our deepest condolences. Your Mom was such a sweet giving woman, always loved her kids and Grandkids. She is now in the loving arms of Jesus, reunited with her love!????❤️

22. Pam Scott May 8, 2020, at 8:02pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Ally’s passing. She was a very special lady and was always willing to help anyone when they needed help. She will be missed by many.

23. Dennis and Jean Johnson May 8, 2020, at 7:10pm

    May memories sustain your family and our prayers and sympathy help you in this sad time.

24. Claudia Trussell May 8, 2020, at 6:57pm

    Your mother was such a beautiful person , so loved by all. Beautiful memories will help heal.

25. Bob and Juliy Stewart May 8, 2020, at 6:11pm

    Our sincere condolences for a loss that will be felt by many.

26. Lois Charen May 8, 2020, at 6:02pm

    So sorry for the loss of your Mother. Condolences to the whole family ????????????????

27. Joe & Neva Annen May 8, 2020, at 5:54pm

    Deepest Condolences❣️May God put HIS comforting arms around each of you, and give you peace. Arly was such a beautiful and encouraging neighbor.
    Will be remembered.

28. Laura Biesterveld May 8, 2020, at 4:35pm

    Arly was such a wonderful person. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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