In loving memory of

Richard L. Gruber
July 13, 1923 - October 15, 2020

Richard passed away on Thursday morning, October 15, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving daughters.

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the Locust Grove Cemetery in Rural Farragut. There will be viewing at the funeral home without the family present from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday morning. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Shenandoah Public Library. Please bring your lawn chairs for the service. Masks and social distancing will be encouraged.

Richard Livingston Gruber was born on July 13, 1923 on the family farm in the Locust Grove Township of rural Farragut, Iowa. Richard entered into eternal rest following a brief battle with cancer on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at his home in Shenandoah, Iowa surrounded by his loving daughters.

His early years were spent helping his father and brothers on the family farm. He graduated from Farragut High School with the Class of 1941. On February 15,1944 he enlisted in the United States Army Air Force and served his country stateside during WWII. He received an honorable discharge on May 5, 1946. Upon returning home, he was united in marriage to his sweetheart Margery Whitehill at the Summit United Methodist Church on June 16, 1946.

Richard was a lifelong farmer who also enjoyed raising livestock. He was a member of the Locust Grove United Methodist Church for many years and later joined the First Christian Church in Shenandoah. He previously had served as a school board member for Farragut Community Schools and was a member of the Shenandoah American Legion.

He will be fondly remembered for his active lifestyle though the years. Richard and Margery enjoyed winter trips to their home in Arizona, where they could often be found on the golf course. He even managed to shoot 3 hole in ones in his lifetime. Woodworking and stained glass were also some of his hobbies. His positive outlook on life helped in overcoming some of life's adversities.

He was preceded in death by his parents: siblings Lois Dickerson, Harold Gruber and Carroll Gruber; wives Margery and Marilyn (whom he married on Nov. 27, 2000); and sons Bruce and Larry.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughters Janelle Kroska and husband Ken of Winterset, IA and Jean Ann James and husband Randy of North Liberty, IA; grandchildren Ryan Bryte, Tim Bryte (Kinzee), Kelli Klaassen (Zach), Steph Farmer (Dillon), Sara Otten (Pat), Travis James (Heather), Kevin James (Kristin), Ginger Gruber (fiancé Daniel Willock), Jerry Gruber (fiancé Cindy Webster) and Melanie Houchin (Matt); 21 great-grandchildren; sister Virginia Winckler from Zillah, WA; sister-in-law Pauline Gruber of Shenandoah, IA; and special friend Jackie Adcock also of Shenandoah, IA.

Tributes

Pamela Belknap wrote on Nov 7, 2020:

"Jean Ann, I am so sorry for your loss of Richard. I know you will miss your dad. In sympathy, Pam Belknap"

Doris Brodersen wrote on Oct 20, 2020:

"We liked and admired Mr Gruber when we would meet him at the fitness center. Tom enjoyed visiting with him at Nishna Valley Cafe coffee time. He never looked or acted his age. Read the book he wrote. Tom & Doris Brodersen "

Doris Brodersen wrote on Oct 20, 2020:

"We liked and admired Mr Gruber when we would meet him at the fitness center. Tom enjoyed visiting with him at Nishna Valley Cafe coffee time. He never looked or acted his age. Read the book he wrote. Tom & Doris Brodersen "

Doris Brodersen wrote on Oct 20, 2020:

"We liked and admired Mr Gruber when we would meet him at the fitness center. Tom enjoyed visiting with him at Nishna Valley Cafe coffee time. He never looked or acted his age. Read the book he wrote. Tom & Doris Brodersen "

Jan Cloepfil wrote on Oct 20, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you all. "

ZoAnna Welchans wrote on Oct 17, 2020:

"Janelle and Jean Ann so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayer to all the family`s."

Tom & ElJean Madsen wrote on Oct 17, 2020:

"We are so very sorry for your loss, we certainly enjoyed spending time with him last fall on the Neihart Branson trip. We spent several meals together. Prayers to all! ??"

Tom Burkhiser wrote on Oct 17, 2020:

"Janelle and Jean Ann....our condolences. What a long wonderful life your dad lived. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. Tom & Barb"

Rawn wrote on Oct 16, 2020:

"Janelle and Jean Ann, my what memories flood my mind. May your memories give you comfort. May God give you peace and strength. with God's blessing along with prayers and hugs. Randy & Rawn"

Dennis Hackett wrote on Oct 16, 2020:

"Janelle and Jean Ann, So very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Always enjoyed his company on the golf course in the Farragut league. The fact that he was able to play golf so late in life was amazing. I know he will be greatly missed by all of you, but I'm sure Marg will be glad to have him with her in God's eternal kingdom. God bless you all."

Jerry LeFever wrote on Oct 16, 2020:

"Janelle and JeanAnn, I am so sorry about your dad. You and your families will certainly be in my thoughts. "

Janet Hare wrote on Oct 16, 2020:

"Many good memories of your Dad and Mom! My parents treasured their friendship with them!! Thoughts and prayers for you all! Janet Lightfoot Hare"

Jesse Isaac wrote on Oct 16, 2020:

"May God comfort you as the family during this time. We were blessed to know Richard the last 3 years since we started our business. He was a good man. --- Rolling Hills Small Engine Service"

Becky (Dickerson) Duke wrote on Oct 16, 2020:

"Janelle and Jean Ann..wish I could be there Saturday, but not possible. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your families. I have many great memories of staying with Grandma and Grandpa's, then walking the short distance to your house. Your parents were role models for this city girl and I learned a lot about farm life from them. Uncle Rich will be missed by many."

Janet Edmonds wrote on Oct 16, 2020:

"My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family, May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life blessed and well lived. Psalms 90:10"

Joyce Supernaw wrote on Oct 15, 2020:

"Sympathy to Janell and Jean Ann and family. Rich was so pleasant and friendly. I especially remember him as one of the class of 1941. The large class with so many W.W.II veterans and they were so loyal to the Farragut alumni reunions. Rich rarely missed and may be the last of that class? He helped me identify people in pictures for the alumni scrapbooks. Rich knew heartaches, losing two wives and both sons, but he enjoyed life up to the end. Rest in peace."

Kirk and Sherry Shearer wrote on Oct 15, 2020:

"Our prayers go out to his entire family . What a wonderful man who always had a smile. Always enjoyed playing golf with him even though I rarely beat him. He will be missed by all who knew him."

Jane Foster wrote on Oct 15, 2020:

"Thoughts and prayers are with you. Remember Richard and daughters being on a trip with the Century Bank Club. So much fun with the three of you. My God grant you Peace and Comfort."

Cunningham Barbara wrote on Oct 15, 2020:

"Heaven?s golf course has a new player. What a good life he had as an example for others. I know you?ll miss his smile. My sympathy. "