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E. Gruetter Obituary
Funeral services will be held at Campus View Church of Christ, 1360 S. Lumpkin St., Athens, GA, on Thursday at 11:00 am.
A life long math educator, he graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, and earned his Masters and Specialist degrees in Math Education from the University of Georgia.
He taught math and coached football in Fort Pierce, FL, and Albuquerque, NM, before coming to Athens for his graduate degrees. His teaching career in the Athens area spanned more than 30 years and included football, track, wrestling and soccer coaching at times. He taught at Athens Academy, Oglethorpe County, Athens Technical College, Truett-McConnell College, Piedmont College, but Cedar Shoals High School was his long term home. In 1976, he was named Star Teacher at Oglethorpe County.
A ?rm yet fair and, as all of his students will attest, very genuine and forthright person, he engendered lifelong loyalty from them. Ironically, not known as a patient, even-tempered person, he was patient and attentive to his students' learning needs. He was the consummate mentor. Wherever he went in the Athens area, he inevitably ran into former students or former students who were children of former students.
Neal's passions were never lukewarm. He was devoted to his wife, Bulldogs football, his church, the environment, physical ?tness, his friends, not necessarily in that order.
Additional survivors include a brother, Dan Gruetter and his wife Cathy, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Gottfried Ernest and Dorothy Nealy Gruetter of Asheville, NC.
The family would like to extend thanks to the generous outpouring of comfort from friends all over.
Visitation will be Wednesday evening 7-9pm at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, 4355 Lexington Rd., Athens, GA.
If so desired, donations may be made in Neal's name to Food Bank of NE Georgia, P.O. Box 48857, Athens, GA 30604 (www.foodbanknega.org), or Halcyon Hospice Foundation, 1435 Haw Creek Circle, Suite 402, Cumming, GA 30041 (678-328-1700).
www.lordandstephens.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for E. Gruetter
Lauren Capie
August 13, 2014
Mr. Gruetter was very friendly and he always seemed to have his classes under control. I never had him as a teacher, but he would always say hello to me in the hall at Cedar Shoals. My thoughts are with his family.
Diane Piersante
August 8, 2014
Mr. Gruetter was a patient teacher and wonderful friend. I consider myself exceptionally fortunate to have enjoyed his company. He will be truly missed.
Susan Shackelford Dawes
August 8, 2014
My condolences. Mr. Gruetter was an exceptional teacher and a great influence in so many young lives. Thinking of you, with sympathy. (CSHS class of '87)
Michael M
August 8, 2014
My Deepest Sympathy Condolence go out to his wife and family. Mr. Gruetter was one of my favorite teachers. He was very good at what he did and he taught me a lot. I have nothing but respect for him. He will be truly missed.
Joy Coleman
August 7, 2014
Kathryn,
I just heard about Neil. I am so sorry I did not know. He was a special teacher at Athens Academy and we all loved him. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
With most sincere sympathy,
Joy Coleman
August 7, 2014
Neal is one of my favorite memories from our years at Cedar shoals. We both enjoyed Lake Hartwell and times spent there... I remember him telling me about trying to water ski behind a sail boat. I never knew if they made it happen. He was a great story teller and made great memories that will keep him alive for those of us who were fortunate to have known him... Rest in peace old friend! James Harden
Jeketer Mattox
August 7, 2014
My Deepest Sympathy Condolence to the Family. Many fun memories of Mr. Gruetter at OCHS. Class of 78
Anita Smith
August 6, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Gruetter if I can do anything please let know. Mr.Gruetter was a nice man the little time I got to meet him and sit with him them two times.
elva mills
August 6, 2014
Sincere sympathy with love & prayers, Pete & Elva Mills
Julia Gainey
August 6, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Coach Gruetter was one of my favorite teachers and my family and I thought the world of him. He truly holds a special place in my heart.
Chris Burnette
August 6, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to Mr. Gruetter's family. Was always one of my favorite teachers.
Wendy Anderson-Goodman
August 6, 2014
Will be greatly missed. I never had the pleasure of having him as one of my teachers but had friends whom did have him & knew him through my friends & talking with him in the halls. He was a great man. So very sorry for your loss ... In my thoughts & prayers.
Bill and Carol Mott
August 6, 2014
Certainly know that your family is in our hearts and prayers. I went for a year or so with him at Asheville-Biltmore College and enjoyed being around him. His dedication to his profession and and as a mentor to many...doesn't surprise me at all.
michael lessard
August 6, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Duke Briscoe
August 6, 2014
I enjoyed having Mr. Gruetter as a teacher and coach at Athens Academy. Condolences to his family and friends.
Randy Nation
August 6, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Brian Koehler
August 6, 2014
My sincerest sympathies to his family. Neal was one of my favorite two math teachers at Cedar Shoals (I later majored in mathematics). I remember him as a dedicated teacher and patient mentor (I remember some "challenging" fellow students). I have always felt we were very lucky to have him at Cedar while I was there.
Judith Gibbs
August 6, 2014
Neal will be missed! He was a dedicated faculty member. I knew him while teaching in Oglethorpe County; then, at CS. Condolences to the family.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes East Chapel
August 6, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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