Glenn J.  “PeeWee” Gruber, age 76 of Durand, died Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at the Plum City Care Center in Plum City with his family by his side, after a brief battle with cancer.

PeeWee was born on October 3, 1937, he was the son of Jack and Mary (Bauer) Gruber. PeeWee grew up in the Lima area and graduated from Sacred Heart Schools in 1955. After high school, he joined the National Guard and attended trade school. PeeWee then worked at Security National Bank in Durand where he met his future wife, Leona Kannel. PeeWee and Leona were married on May 14, 1960 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Plum City. In 1961, his Guard unit was activated for the Berlin Crisis and PeeWee spent a year at Ft. Lewis in Washington and later he was Honorably Discharged. PeeWee then returned to Security National Bank where he worked for 42 years retiring as a loan officer.

PeeWee enjoyed bowling, hunting, gardening, dancing, golfing and playing cards. He liked to talk and share stories with family and friends at his cabin. PeeWee also spent a lot of time maple syruping and watching the Packers and Brewers. He loved to go to his children’s and grandchildren’s school and sporting events.

PeeWee is survived by his wife of 54 years, Leona, nine children; Steve (Alice) of Woodbury, MN, Bill (Karen) of Durand, Glenda (Mike) Dvorak of Plymouth, MN, Tony (Jill) of Meridean, Bob (Beth) of Marshfield, Jeff (Amy) of Mantorville, MN, Mike (Tina) of Chippewa Falls, Charlie (Wendy) of Eau Galle, and Angie (Chad) Spangberg of Mondovi, 25 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, three brothers; William “Bill” (Marie) of Durand, Clarence “Freck” (Marty) of Chippewa Falls and Larry (Rita) of Durand, one sister-in-law; Arly Gruber of Rock Falls, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister; Evelyn “Blondie” Sabelko, brother-in-law; Hubert Sabelko and one brother; Kenneth “Nodz.”

Funeral Services will be 11:30 AM Friday, April 25, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand. Rev. Eric Linzmaier will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Thursday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Larry & Lynn Spangberg April 27, 2014, at 1:40pm

   Our sympathy in the lose of your father

2. Tom & Mary Jean Schiefelbein April 26, 2014, at 9:41am

   Dear Leona and family; Tom and I want to extend our sincere condolences to you all...Pee Wee was a dedicated and cherished employee of the SNB...He always was friendly and had a smile on his face..We enjoyed knowing Glen, Leona and the children over the years..I think his maple syrup was the best we ever had...He will be missed by all..Tom and Mary Jean Schiefelbein....

3. Del Bignell April 25, 2014, at 3:36pm

   So sorry to hear of your loss,,,,,PeeWee was a great conversationalist and always put a smile on my face when he come in. He always had wise words to start my day as one of the morning crew that would come into the Durand Café for their coffee. Im sure he will be sorely missed....prayers to the family..

4. Janet Bauer Simpson April 25, 2014, at 1:13pm

   I just saw on Rhiel's website that Pee Wee has passed away and his funeral is today. I was so sad to hear of his passing. I worked with Pee Wee at Security National Bank for three years (1963 - 1966) and he always put a smile on my face. I don't ever remember a time when he was not happy. Whenever I would visit Durand and I ran into him somewhere he always said hello and chatted with me. He was such a nice person to work with and to know. My sympathy to your family is heartfelt.

5. John Judy parr April 25, 2014, at 7:31am

   Sorry or hear of your loss

6. Pat Petrie / Kurth April 24, 2014, at 6:57pm

   My sympathy for the loss of a fine husband and father. I remember seeing Peewee at so many ball games and at Church. I know the family was very close I hope you all will be filled with joy as you recall the many memories. He will be missed by his many friends.

7. Dennis Forster April 24, 2014, at 9:55am

   Leona and family of Glen Gruber:

   So sorry to hear of Glen's passing. Glen and I have been friends practically all of our lives. We both attended school at Lima for twelve years. Glen was one year ahead of me. We were born and raised on farms only a few miles apart (as the crow flies).

   We stayed in contact professionally discussing mutual clients' issues and socially at the annual Chippewa Valley Hospital Golf Benefit, the last time being two years ago. He was wearing a big straw hat. I didn't recognize Pee Wee at first, but we ended up having a long conversation.

   I will always remember Glen and his big smile fondly.

   Dennis Forster

8. Rick and Shari Gruber April 24, 2014, at 12:30am

   Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you . PeeWee was a wonderful person, and will be greatly missed.

9. audrey martin April 23, 2014, at 6:43pm

   Pee Wee was a great husband, father, loan officer and customer. I remember calling Pee Wee and saying I need X amount of money on a 90 day note and he would ask what for and I would give him a bazarre reason. He would say "I'll do the paperwork and come over and sign when you can,"
   I always looked forward to his visits when I cut his hair and we would hash over memories of good old Lima.
   He will be missed by all, when he left the bank, things were never the same.
   He raised a great bunch of kids which is proof of what a good parent he was along with Leona.
   Take Care...Audrey

10. Paula Smith April 23, 2014, at 1:09pm

    so sorry for your loss I'll keep all of you in my prayers

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