John Gruber
John Gruber, 64, of La Crosse, WI died Sunday, October 16, 2016 at his home in La Crosse, WI. Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, October 21 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Lansing. Inurnment followed at Gethsemane Cemetery, Lansing.
John Henry Gruber was born July 24, 1952 to Erwin and Cecelia (Wagner) Gruber in La Crosse, WI. Upon his mother’s death the 25th of July, he went to live at the home of his aunt and uncle, Agatha and John P. Spinner, as one of their own.
He grew up in a little town in Iowa with the Misssissippi River only a stone’s throw from his home and the mighty bluffs of Mt. Hosmer in his backyard. John enjoyed the small town atmosphere. He loved climbing “Little Hill,” going to the local caves, hiking around Mt. Hosmer, playing ball in the bridge yard, duck hunting, pheasant hunting, having a paper route and going to the show on a dime.
John attended Immaculate Conception grade school in Lansing. He graduated from St. George High School in 1970. At St. George, John excelled in basketball, as he played center for the team. This team was St. George’s only perfect season. John received a basketball scholarship to attend Loras College in Dubuque. He enjoyed his time there, graduating in 1974.
Beginning in the 1970s, he worked for Feigels, St. Francisa Hospital in La Crosse, WI for 25 years, followed by his pharmaceutical delivery service called The River Ridge Runner. In his spare time, John enjoyed the Hawkeyes, Meteorology, March Madness, his Boo Ray Card tournaments, visiting his siblings in Marion and going to “Muck Valley Farms.” John loved Christmas and the New Albin Open, which he founded, and playing euchre.
John is survived by his siblings, William (Sharon) Gruber of Marion, Mary (Robert) Mefferd of Marion, Thomas (Ellin) Gruber of Toddville and Betty (Sam) Bell of Columbus Junction; and several loving nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Cecelia Gruber and John and Agatha Spinner; and his brother, Robert J. Spinner.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing assisted the family with arrangements.
