Bruce Gronner

Bruce Gronner, 79, died suddenly and peacefully on February 15, 2026 at his home in Chicago, IL. Bruce was born on April 19, 1946 in Morrison, IL to his parents Curt and Bernice Gronner. He leaves behind his best friend and life partner, Maureen Marcus; daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Dan Ballenger; and three beautiful grandsons: Collin, Luke and Asher Ballenger. He remained good friends with his former wife of 25 years, Kathi McCollum. Bruce grew up in the small town of Morrison, IL and always was proud of his Morrison roots. He went back regularly for high school reunions and always tried to keep in touch with childhood friends. Bruce received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and was always a proud Illini fan. He then went on to graduate from dental school at the University of Illinois Chicago and continued to have his own dental practice in Chicago until he retired. Bruce certainly was a man who beat to his own drum, but that's what we loved about him. He was always up for a good time – whether it was a concert, happy hour, museum trip, Cub's game (even though he was a Sox fan) – you name it, he wanted to do it. Bruce loved skiing and spent many winters enjoying the mountains of Vail, CO. He was an avid handball player – still playing every Friday; and also enjoyed being out on the golf course. Bruce loved telling stories and we would laugh and listen about "that time in 1970-something when…"Bruce was a great dad and grandpa/Papa. His grandsons were his joy and he loved spending time with them and going to their many activities/sports. We loved going to his awesome city apartment for BBQs and a swim in his pool. He was such a proud Papa. Bruce and Maureen were an amazing couple and a true team together for the past 11+ years. Our hearts are heavy, we are heartbroken and so sad to announce Bruce's passing. He will be so very missed in our daily lives and during all the big milestones to come. Visitation Friday, March 6, 2026,10:00 a.m. until time of service 11:30 a.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago 2102 W. Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60612 or the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com