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Thomas Michael Steven Gruen

Thomas Gruen Obituary

Thomas Michael Steven Gruen, 48, of Tunkhannock, died Thursday morning at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton from injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident while responding to an automobile accident as an EMT for the Tunkhannock Ambulance Association.

He was born in Scranton on Aug. 12, 1964, son of the late Doris Kessler Gruen and Edmond Gruen of Tunkhannock. Tom was a 1983 graduate of the Tunkhannock Area High School and extremely active in the Tunkhannock band. After graduation, he served as a volunteer instructor for the percussion section and color guard for the Tunkhannock Area School District. He served as band director for Lackawanna Trail School District for one year. Tom was very active in the Tunkhannock Assembly of God Church. He served his church on missions to Brazil and Austria. Tom served as state director of sound systems for the Assembly of God Fine Arts festival and was a judge of the competitions. Tom was member of the Tunkhannock Ambulance Association for more than 15 years. He was a certified EMT-B, serving as EMT crew chief and served as rescue lieutenant. He held certifications in ice rescue, emergency boat operations, water rescue, advanced line systems and national search and rescue, and most recently, received his certification as a state constable.

He was more than an employee for C.S. VerBryck Fuel Sales in Tunkhannock. He would often be seen driving his fuel truck with his beloved dogs, Rajha or Motoe, at his side. He was known for service with a smile.

Also surviving are step-mother, Doris Finch Gruen of Tunkhannock; daughters, Dana M. Gruen of Meshoppen; and Telease Gruen Holman of Tunkhannock; brothers, Danny Gruen of Allentown; and Andy Gruen of Lupon, Tenn.; his companion, Jean Clark; and three grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Michael Gruen.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. from the Tunkhannock Assembly of God Church by Pastor Rick Wormer. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Lake Winola.

Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunkhannock Ambulance Association or the Tunkhannock Assembly of God Church.

For directions or online condolences, visit www.shel donkukuchkafuneralhome.com.

Published by Scranton Times on May 24, 2013.
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Its been over 6 months and yet, I don't think it has truly sunk in yet. I always expect you to walk into church being loud and fun as usual and I am heart broken everytime you don't. I expect you to play the drums with your whole heart and come and give me a hug after the service. You will NEVER be forgotten. We love you.

Kayla Koziol

December 20, 2013

its been over two months since you left to go home with the lord and I can't begin to say how much I miss you. I know you are in a place where you always knew you would be at but I am missing you more and more every day. I never thought i would miss you this much. Until we meet again Tom I will never forget you and I will never stop missing you....

Susan Lane

August 2, 2013

I wrote this for Tom.

Goodbye; Like The First Time

From the day we are born, we are adrift
When the cord is cut, we lose our tether to the dock
The first breath we take fills up our sails
Speeding over the currents we ride, hanging on for dear life;
Bouncing through the problems men face
Rough waves rattling the teeth in our head,
wind tearing at our face and hair,
Sorrow making us lost like a magnet in a compass
We are as helpless as if we were
kittens in a leaking bucket

But he;
he had wings, speeding over the choppy waters of life
Scooping up sodden wretches as he flew
Borne upwards, held by love above the whirling mess
His arms could hold a dozen men,
His heart could bear the pain of all;
It's not everyone who makes a career of rescuing:
Most of us are content to try to save ourselves...

June 18, 2013

Tommy was one of a kind. Truly an example of "The mold was broken after him". I will always hold dear his infectious laughter, his cheerful passionate spirit that brought such joy to those whom were so fortunate to know him. He truly was the light in the harbor often when it came to others. I met him at Anna's and will always cherish that night for what he said to a prospective boyfriend, or when he would bring me oil when I shouted at him on the street that I was out! Yes, he was and example of what loving others, friendship, goodness and humbleness truly means. I am going to miss you so much!
And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. ~ John 6:39-40

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. ~ John 14:1-4

Kitty

June 6, 2013

I am not sure when Tom came into our lives..he has just always been there and shall never leave.His relentless passion for life and what he did and how he treated people should be a guide for all.Remember always that he touched so many people and will be missed beyond belief.

Alberta Gozikowski

June 1, 2013

I want to thank toms sprit because he snag at my dads funeral tom had an amazing singing voice and I will always picture him singing amazing grace

cody faux

May 30, 2013

I am thanking the family of tom gruen because he sang at my dads funereal tom had an amazing voice you will be missed tom

cody faux

May 30, 2013

Susan Lane

May 30, 2013

Tom was a close friend, we hung out together when we were children. Tom's family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry for your loss.

Anthony Clate

May 30, 2013

I lived in Towanda as a kid. As a member of the Volunteer Medicals Service Corps of Lansdale, Pa. I send sincere condolences to Tom's family. Rest easy brother....

Lorna Edling-Allison

May 29, 2013

I do not know what to say that other have already said. You were a great person and a friend to all that ever met you. You will be missed by many. You have traveled a lot and have done many things to make people happy and smile. Now I hope you enjoy your adventures with our Heavenly Father.

Ted (Too Tall) Failing

May 29, 2013

Our most sincere sympathy goes out to the entire Gruen Family and Tunkhannock Community.

Margaret Evans

May 29, 2013

Uncle Murph, Doris, Danny & Andy, I'm Ted & Shirley Kessler's oldest daughter. Sorry to hear of your loss. He will be missed. We have lost touch throughout the years. My mother gave me your email address Andy so I will get in touch with you. I am an AEMT and the President of Hardwick Emergency Rescue Squad in Hardwick VT. Hardwick Emergency Rescue Squad sends their heartfelt prayer for you all and the community. Keep in touch. Love you all, Deb Kessler LaRose

May 29, 2013

My deepest sympathies to Tom's family and to the whole town of Tunkhannock who lost a great man.

Cecilia Krieg

May 29, 2013

I knew Tom what seems a really long time ago in high school. He was a shining light in what was a dark world for me. Though I was not in a place at that time where I was able to take advantage of the gift of knowing him for more than a short time, I have never forgotten him. He was kind, truly caring and incessantly positive (I say with a giggle in my heart). We have crossed paths briefly a few times over the years and I have been so impressed with what he has done in his life. I am envious now of all those of you who have had the opportunity and privilege to know him so well. I don't feel as if I have the right to the sadness that I have been feeling this past week but my heart simply breaks for all those of you feeling the incredible void that losing someone like Tom leaves in the world. Reading about all of the tributes and remembrances left in his name, it is clear that Tom touched more in his too short life than most people who are allowed to be with us twice as long. I just want you all to know that Tom's incredible spirit touched so many more people than you even realizeā€¦far beyond the confines of Tunkhannock or even the whole of NE Pennsylvania. We may not all be blessed with that kind of larger-than-life energy and personality but what a world this would be if we could all strive for at least a small part of what Tom stood for and achieved just by being him. May we all keep the sight of his smile and the sound of his voice in the back of our minds everyday as a reminder to make an effort to be a bit more like Tom.

May 29, 2013

My deepest sympathy to Tom's family and friends in Tunkhannock. Tom's grandmother , Dora Mathias Kessler, was my grandmother's sister. Edna Mathias Evans. After my grandmother and grandfather, Frank Evans, passd away, our families lost touch. Once in a while I would run into Tom's mom, Doris , in Clarks Summit as she was filling racks with greeting cards. I remember when his brother Michael died. He was a teacher and so was I until my retirement. On at least two occasions I had someone stop me in a store and ask me if I was Andy Gruen.who I knew was one of Doris's sons. There must be some Mathias family resemblance.
Again, my deepest sympathy to Tom's family from the Evans family in Greenfield Township.

Howard Evans

May 29, 2013

Tom You Will Always Be In Our Hearts.
Love Rick & Holly Stark

May 28, 2013

Lindsay Banks

May 28, 2013

In Loving Memory of a wonderful person. Just seeing you riding in town in your fuel truck made me smile and say "there goes Tom".We will never forget the help and devotion that you gave for Mo's bike ride. Thanks again. Now you and Mo can "Ride Like the Wind" RIP Mo Ostrowsky Family

May 28, 2013

tom i had a great time working with u on the ambulance .were always a joy to be around. i will always love u bro an miss u

tammy wikoski

May 28, 2013

My wife & I only knew Tom for a few years. Yet he always made us feel like family anytime we saw his smiling face. We attended the Assembly of God at Tom's request (actually his persistent asking of when we were coming.) I am so glad we went because we got a chance to hear Tom's magical voice sing at mass. He will be dearly missed. Our most sincere condolences & deepest prayers go out to the Gruen family, also to the many, many people who were fortunate enough to have Tom in their lives if even for a fleeting moment. I can easily say that my life was and is extremely blessed for having known such a wonderful man. Tom, May God hold you in the palm of his hand and may he never make a fist. God Bless You My Friend and Thank you God for keeping him on Earth long enough for us to get to know him. Rest In Peace Tom and we will always love you and miss you.

Frank & Tina Kane

May 28, 2013

To a very good friend whom am going to miss dearly, You were always there when I needed you. You were my crew chief when I was with the ambulance. And if it wasn't for you I would have never gotten my certification for repelling. You will always be in my heart. You were like a little brother to me. God just has taken you to soon.

Suzanne Mislevy

May 28, 2013

My sympathies to Tom's family. May God give you peace and strength to get through this time. We could still use a good man like Tom. But he is with his Lord Jesus.
I have known Tom for some time. He was always a good friend.
Back in 1984 I met Tom, I went to the hospital 8 times over 18 months and he was on the ambulance a lot. He always helped me feel at ease, with humor and just being Tom. Just think how many people he did that for.

Glenn Bohlander

May 28, 2013

Rest easy Mr. Cruise..

Sheyanne

May 28, 2013

I was brought to this page at the recommendation of a friend of Tom's that is grieving over his terrible loss. My dear friend has lost many things in life and won at others but I can tell that losing Tom has hit him hard. He asked that I read about what a good person Tom was, that I share Tom's story even though we had never met eachother. I am humbled by his kind deeds and brave heart and I am deeply sorry that he has lost his life while trying to save others'. I'm certain there are many mourning him today, but all must have a modicum of comfort in remembering how strong he was in life.

~A Friend

May 27, 2013

With heartfelt condolences to the Gruen family, members of the Tunkhannock Ambulance Association, Tunkhannock Assembly of God Church, and all who knew Tom. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. He truly touched the lives of so many.
May each one be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
We wish peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring Tom's memory.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Wyoming County 911 Center

May 26, 2013

This is what I feel Tom is saying . To all that loved him. Do not cry for I am not gone yet do not look for me for you'll not find me ,yet everywhere you look I'll be.so do not have a heavy heart for me .for I shall make it light and full of love for others as I have done.peace brother I'll always love you and miss you.

frank billings

May 26, 2013

TOM GONNA MISS YA MY VERY DEAR FRIEND. GREW UP NEXT DOOR 2 YA. ALWAYS BEEN FRIENDS SINCE. GONNA MISS YER SMILES AND SENSE OF HUMOR. WAS SO GLAD I SEEN YA LAST TIME HOME. YOU TOOK SUCH INTEREST IN MY LVAD FOR MY HEART, BEING THE ONLY ONE WHO HAD IT IN THE AREA. GOD IS GETTING A GREAT ANGEL. GONNA MISS YA. SUCH A GREAT LOSS TO TUNKHANNOCK. MY SYMPATHY 2 THE FAMILY. RIP

TAM BROTZMAN

May 25, 2013

Cruise, you will be sadly missed, but I know you have greater things to accomplish where you are now! Much Love.

Cindy R

May 25, 2013

Truly don't know what to say. Knowing Tom since we were both kids hits hard in the heart with someone so loved by everyone with his Home Going. I know you're saying, 'Don't Cry For Me', Tom because you are in the Ultimate Place. Thank God For That! Condolences to all his family & friends.

Sandy Jacques

May 25, 2013

For the past 30 years you have been such a great friend and you will be deeply missed. Ill miss seeing your smiling face, Tunkhannock will never be the same!

Rich Dunne

May 24, 2013

It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Tom. He was an inspiration to everyone that knew him. His life's mission was to help others and sing to the glory of God and His Amazing Grace. Our world is more beautiful because Tommy Gruen was a part of it. For that, we are eternally grateful. May God hold Tom in the palm of His hand.

Bev James

May 24, 2013

My dear Tommy, you have been my one of best friend, love you with all my heart. YOu were always there for me anytime and any place. If it wasn't for you I would never got my certificate for repelling. God Bless you you are going to be greatly missed.

May 24, 2013

Ring a bell for Tommy, his wings are waiting - I will miss your laugh and your smile and the passion you found in everything you did.

Donna Wolthouse

May 24, 2013

Tom ,You will be soo missed and always remembered.I wish we had kept in touch.

Kelly Cocker

May 24, 2013

Tom, your music and endless smiles will never be forgotten. Rest in the peace that you so deserve.

May 24, 2013

I remember Tom passing through the halls in Tunkhannock High School and always thought, he is always so happy!

My condolences to the entire Gruen family over the passing of such a wonderful, selfless, human being.

So many wonderful images come to mind, whenever Tunkhannock speaks Tom's name. Without him in their lives, things will never be the same. Everyone loved him and wants you to know, they'll feel his love wherever they go.

Rest in peace, dear Soul. God called another Angel home this week.

Christine Di Stadio

May 24, 2013

Tom, though we did not know you long you touched our hearts. You became a great mentor,friend and crew chief to our son. We use to laugh just passing you in town, because we knew you was going to do something funny..Prayers for the family...R.I.P...Tom

The Hensley Family

May 24, 2013

will miss you this delivering fuel to my house...thoughts and prayers

Jerry michaels

May 24, 2013

Mike Apaliski

May 24, 2013

We remember you at Tunkhannock High School,when we went to football games.Sympathy for family left behind.

Linda Purinton

May 24, 2013

my prayers are with you. we will miss you.

monica and karri houser and ray.

May 24, 2013

Tom, your smile and warm heart will be greatly missed. Your helping hands were needed else where. While God took you much to early, you will live on in the hearts of your friends and family. May peace be with you all.

Amy Hunt-Newman

May 24, 2013

RIP Tom

First Responder

May 24, 2013

For some special reason The Lord seemed to need you more than we did in Tunkhannock. You will be SO missed by SO many. Your work on this earth has always been His work, helping others in a time of need. I have always known you to be a good person, both in your volunteering and your religious life. I am absolutely positive about where you reside now, walking beside your savior and watching over Tunkhannock! Rest in Peace, my friend!

Patti Kendig

May 24, 2013

Tom's angelic voice will be missed in church. Now he is truly singing w/angels.Blessings to his children and grandchildren.

Glenda Brown

May 24, 2013

I was sorry to hear what happen I only met him one time when he delivered my fuel and he was very nice and funny too and my prayers to his family and all it's true he seemed very caring and kind loved his dog his was white with spot's I believe

Mary Stair

May 24, 2013

Tommy, You were a great friend and coworker. The entire community will miss your smiling face. Fly high My friend!

Tina & Ken Bulford

May 24, 2013

Tom, I still cant believe your gone. I will always keep you in my heart... I'll see you one day!!
Love yas buddy!!!

Kayla Griffin

May 24, 2013

Prayers and thoughts with all the family at this time. God grant you peace.

Alice Swartz Kircher

May 24, 2013

The community of Tunkhannock is greatly affected by this news. Sympathy to the family in this time of sadness Hope Moffitt

Hope Moffitt

May 24, 2013

On behalf of the Paramedics of Nova Scotia Canada, our thoughts and prayers are with the family, co-workers and the community that this brave medic served. Rest in peace.

Dwayne Fitzgerald

May 24, 2013

R.I.P Tom Always enjoyed our laughs at Double D'S

Jeffrey Talcott

May 24, 2013

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

LoBuono Family

May 24, 2013

Tom we are proud to have known you. Our thoughts and prayer are with your family and friends. RIP

Gene & Carol St.Clair

May 24, 2013

Tom you were and always will be such a great man, you always know what to say to us kids when we were in church,you will always be missed

Heidi Houser

May 24, 2013

I will never forget your kindness and laughter. May you rest in peace "old" friend.

Kirk Thoma

May 24, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Tunkhannock will be missing a very special person. Always helping those in need. A true hero

May 24, 2013

You were a great man, Tommy. You have tons of love and prayers from all the people you've impacted over the years. Watch over your family. They need you now more than ever. xo

Jacey Hutchins

May 24, 2013

Thoughts and prayers are with the family. Tunkhannock has lost someone very special. Always helping others in need. What a true hero.

May 24, 2013

Tom was and always be in my heart, I am so glad I knew him! Rest in peace ......Faith

Faith Taylor-Bisner

May 24, 2013

Godspeed Tom.

Ken Jordan

May 24, 2013

God bless you and keep you strong. Tom was a wonderful person who touched many lives. We will all miss him.

Becki Glaush-Potsko

May 24, 2013

Our Home Town Loss A Very Important Man ! We are so sorry for your loss ! We will miss how he was so willing to help everyone ! We would never have thought that God would have called him home when he was so young !

Tunkhannock Family

May 24, 2013

A great smile, that will be missed... A great person who always had time to help one more person...

John Suhanich

May 24, 2013

He is always smiling, will miss the smile. A all around great person... God has a great person in heaven....

May 24, 2013

I can not express how saddened I am with the passing of my close friend. He was so much more then just my friend. I am going to miss him so much. I will cherish all the memories that him and I had. He was truly an amazing guy. His spirit will live on forever. I hold the deepest sympathy for his dad, step mom and daughters. May god be with you all and give you the strength that Tom possessed. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten. I thank god for bringing him into my life. He has touched so many peoples lives and he still does to this day. His love for his family and god was a love that will never die. He has given his heart and soul to others. Rest in Peace my friend. I love you and miss you.

Susan Lane

May 24, 2013

Your family, Ambulance family, and community are in our prayers. There will be a huge void where you used to be.
Colleen & Steve

Colleen Davis

May 24, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Wendy Ide & Family

May 24, 2013

Tom. You will greatly missed by all. You were a great person who would help anyone that needed help. I will remember the EMT classes. May God be with your family and friends at this extremely sad time..R.I.P Brother

Ronald Wood,jr

May 24, 2013

Cannot begin to say how we as a town will miss you and your laugh! There just isn't any words.

Trudy Adams

May 24, 2013

My deepest condolences to Tom's family. I graduated with Tom and always remember him as a go lucky, happy person who would do anything for anyone. He walked the halls of school with a smile on his face. His good nature and good spirit followed him through his adult life based on his career and caring for others. He will be missed

Ann Drazba

May 24, 2013

I have been thinking about Tommy so much over the past several weeks and am SHOCKED to find Tommy went home to be with Jesus...I only wish I had found the time to at least message. I was telling my boys the other about our church talent show when Tommy sang Victory in Jesus

Marianne Groves Kurtz

May 24, 2013

Tom, you were an amazing man. I'm HONORED to be able to call you my Father-in-Law. You were more of Father to me than my own. I was lucky enough to have met someone like you to learn and gain knowledge from. You taught me many different things and was there to help me when I needed it most. I cherish my every moment, minute, memory that God so graciously blessed with your presence. R.I.P. Tom (Dad) "BUDDY" I LOVE YOU.

Johnny Ray Holman

May 24, 2013

Thomas was a classmate of mine I have known since as long as I can remember. He was always friendly and energetic with an easy smile and a great sense of humor. As a dweller of the Tunkhannock Borough, it was not unusual to encounter him. My most recent encounter was Tuesday, May 21 when I went to vote at the Triton Hall. Tom was on duty as a Constable and looking impressive in his Uniform. Before that it was at Beagles Restaurant crossing paths at breakfast, or seeing him on security duty at the Wyoming County Fair. Tom made you feel safe because you knew you were on his watch. Forever the impassioned guardian of other citizen's safety and security it is not so ironic his death occurred while going to help another citizen. That was Tom. That's what he stood for. I am a better person for knowing Thomas Gruen. He enriched many lives through his service, faith, dedication, song and sense of humor. I can find some comfort recently seeing him so happy and content before he fell asleep in the Lord. For his family and those of you who were closer to Tom than I could ever get, you have my condolences and my sympathy, and I pray His strength. God Bless.

David Kuffa

May 24, 2013

In our hearts forever

Cindy Gitschlag

May 23, 2013

We played together at tunhannock assembly along with other musicians me on piano and you on drums. They were good times you were always telling me to play the runs up and down the keys. You will be missed and loved forever. You were always there for everyone, for everything.

Cindy Gitschlag

May 23, 2013

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