Richard N. Gruber of Caro, age 79, passed away at his home on Sunday, September 15, 2019 following a courageous battle with ALS. Richard was born January 5, 1940 in Bay City, the son of the late Norman & Irene (Stachowiak) Gruber. He was raised in Reese and graduated from Reese High School with the Class of 1957. He continued his studies at Ferris State University in business administration, graduating in 1962. Richard was united in marriage with the former Rita R. Humpert on June 19, 1965 at St. Elizabeth Parish in Reese and the couple has cherished more than fifty-four years together. Richard worked as an appraiser for the State of Michigan for over thirty years before taking a position as director of equalization for Saginaw County, retiring in 2003. He continued to provide consulting services for three counties in Michigan after his retirement until just last year. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Parish in Reese, the Exchange Club of Caro, and was a former trustee of the Caro Area District Library. He was also engaged in local government and was strong advocate for public education. Richard had a deep love for music and was known to gift music compilations to friends and family, especially around the holidays. He could play accordion and piano by ear and would often entertain at family gatherings. Richard was a student of history and was an avid reader. He traveled the world in retirement and enjoyed wintering in Estero, Florida for thirteen years where he and Rita made many lasting friendships. Life for Richard revolved around his family and he cherished time spent with his grandchildren. His generous spirit and infectious laughter will be missed by all who were blessed enough to encounter them.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Rita Gruber of Caro; four children and their spouses, Lori Gruber and partner, Scott Tagget of Caro, Annie & Don Vollmar of Mequon, Wisconsin, John & Kristy Gruber of Lebanon, Ohio, Megan Gruber & Chad Anderson of Bellingham, Washington; seven grandchildren, Savannah Danks, Adam Vollmar, Emily Vollmar, Abigail Gruber, Ethan Gruber, Andrew Gruber, Finnegan Anderson; one brother and his wife, David & Sandi Gruber of Clare; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by an infant son, Norman Gruber; and brother, Kenneth Gruber.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2019 at St. Elizabeth Parish in Reese with Revs. Christian Tabares and Robert Byrne officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the ALS Foundation, St. Elizabeth Parish in Reese, or the Sacred Heart Food Pantry in Caro.