William J. “Bill” Gruber

William J. “Bill” Gruber, age 89 of Durand, died peacefully Friday, February 9, 2018 at the American Lutheran Home in Mondovi.
Bill was born on August 30, 1928 in the Town of Canton, Buffalo County, rural Durand. He was the son of John and Mary (Bauer) Gruber. Bill grew up on the family farm in the Town of Canton and attended Sacred Heart School in Lima. Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 and served in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He was Honorably Discharged in 1953. On May 4, 1953, Bill married Marie Anibas at St. Henry Catholic Church in Eau Galle. After marriage, Bill and Marie farmed and raised their family on the home farm. Bill lived on the farm until his health forced him to move to Mondovi.
Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and going to the casino. He was a lifelong member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the Durand Sportsmen’s Club. Most of all, Bill loved spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marie, children; Dale (Laurel) of Durand, Diane (Gordy) Erickson of River Falls, Doug (Donna) of Durand, Doris (Ron) Domeier of Owatonna, MN, eight grandchildren; Jody (Jake) Fedie, Tom Gruber, Carrie (Josh) Larson, Kayla (Jon) Bergman, Kristin Erickson, Justin (Krista) Gruber, Carissa Domeier and Ryan Domeier, nine great grandchildren; one brother; Larry (Rita) of Durand, sisters-in-law; Arly Gruber of Rock Falls, Marty Gruber of Chippewa Falls, Leona Gruber of Durand, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister; Evelyn “Blondie” (Hubert) Sabelko and brothers; Kenneth “Nodz”, Clarence “Freck” and Glenn “PeeWee”.
Funeral Mass will be 11:30 AM Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima in Durand with Rev. Paul Bosco officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the time of services at the church on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill’s name to Holy Rosary Catholic Church or the local charity of your choice.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.
Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.