James Gruber Sr.
James N. Gruber Sr., 101, of Lansing died Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon. Memorial services will be held Thursday, March 2 at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Lansing with Pastor James “Buck” Buckhahn officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lansing. Friends may greet the family from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 1 at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon.
James Norbert Gruber Sr. was born April 16, 1921 in Lafayette Township, rural Lansing, the son of Leslie and Salome (Hacklander) Gruber. He attended Prairie Lafayette School in rural Lansing. September 28, 1952, he married Catherine Hancock at Waterville Lutheran Church in Waterville.
James farmed with family members in Lafayette Township and Paint Creek Township, rural Waterville, where they milked cows and raised hogs, beef cows, and crops. He also did custom bulldozing, logging, and sawing. For the last 46 years, he farmed with his son, James Jr., participating in all aspects of the business. He was a strong advocate for transitioning to organic production in 1997. James loved farming and was always fixing and tinkering with things. He especially loved driving tractors.
James treasured his dogs and horses and was a member of the Upper Iowa Saddle Club. He liked flying and bowling as well. James was a member of the United Methodist Church in Lansing.
James is survived by his children: James Gruber Jr. of Lansing, Carrol Gruber of Waukon and Janice (Dale) Osterhaus of Waterville; and by his grandchildren: Todd (Jennifer) Osterhaus and their children - Akyla, Emmeline and Ofelia of New Freedom, PA, Aarron (Heidi) Osterhaus and their children - Monique (fiancé Anthony Goins), Braxton, Ayana and Salome of Pine Island, MN, Amy (Nick) Donlon and their children - Brooke, Seth and Cora of McGregor, Lori (Mike) Johanningmeier and their children - Jase, Jaelyn and Jacob of Rossville, Kayla (Matt) Burke and their children - Brent and Breelyn of Decorah, Eric (Ashley) Osterhaus and their children - Owen, Eli, Adrik and Iris of Monroe, Annette (Cody) Cook and their children - Hailey, Carter and Hillary of Waukon, and Ethan (fiancé Rachel Kucera) Osterhaus of Waukon.
He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Eileen McKee (Robert Saderstrom), Verdel Dawson (Carol), Greg Dawson (Sharon), Arletta Dawson (Julie Sypersma), Bev Cochran (Dale), Barb (wife of Gary Kroshus, deceased), Julie Kolka (Jack), Nancy White (Dan), Kathy Wilson (Denny), Lynn Kaizer (Ed), Mark Gruber and Mary Gruber; and by his sister-in-law, Gertrud Solem of Mabel, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Catherine; a sister, Gretchen (Everett) Dawson; two brothers, Kenneth Gruber and Don (Lois) Gruber; and a nephew, Gary Kroshus.
Honorary urnbearers are James’s grandchildren. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
