Donald "Don" Joseph Gruber

Donald “Don” J. Gruber, 80 of Balsam Lake Township passed away Sunday, June 10, 2018 at his residence with his loving family by his side.  Don was born October 24, 1937 in Carroll County, Iowa, the son of Myrtle (Halsel) and Joseph Gruber.

Don was raised in Iowa and moved to Wisconsin to live with his brother.  Here he met Katy.  They were married on November 28th, 1957.  They raised four children in the Balsam Lake area.  Don was a machinist at Thompson Machine and had a passion for building things.  He enjoyed building a dune buggy and a kit car, making pine furniture, driving “Allis”, sunny days by the pool and family.

Don is survived by his wife, Katy, children, Tammy (Dwayne) Wassberg of Amery, Wisconsin, Donna Gruber of South St. Paul, Minneapolis, Kim Gruber of Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Doug (Michelle Mitchell) Gruber of Milltown, Wisconsin, Grandchildren, Adam (Mallory) Wassberg, Jeff (Sam) Wassberg, Jen (Chris) Penchoff, Emily Strom, Paul (Kari) Montpetit, Joe (Courtney) Waterman, Chris (Jenny Humphrey) Waterman, Nick (Sarah) Waterman, Caden Gruber, great grandchildren, Cameron, Baylee, Holden, Jaycee, Sydney, Dean, Myla, Paige and many other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Ed Gruber, Bill Gruber, Marie Thulen and Rita Deardorf.

A Memorial Mass will be 11:30 A.M. at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, Thursday, June 14, 2018 with Father Gene Murphy officiating.  Family and friends may gather for a visitation from 10:30 A.M. until the time of the service.  Inurnment will take place at a later date.  Please join the family for continued fellowship and a luncheon following the Mass.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements.