Francis X. "Frank" Gruber, Jr.

Francis X. "Frank" Gruber, Jr., age 77, of Dubuque, IA, was called home to our Lord at 6:10 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2014, surrounded by his devoted family after a courageous battle with cancer. To honor Frank's life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2014, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., with Rev. Diane Grace officiating. To celebrate Frank's life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2014, at Behr Funeral Home. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Frank was born on January 25, 1937, in Dubuque, IA, and was adopted by Francis X. and Mary J. (Fischer) Gruber, Sr. Frank graduated from St. Columbkilles in 1955 and joined the U.S. Navy after graduation where he served admirably on the USS Haas until 1959. He married Cheryl "Sheri" Jellison on May 5, 1973 in Epworth, IA. She preceded him in death on August 13, 2011. He was employed at John Deere for 38 years. Frank enjoyed time relaxing at the family cottage. He also enjoyed going Up North, playing mandolin and guitar, having jam sessions with his pals, watching and rooting for the Cubs and Hawkeyes with his cat, Baby Girl, and dog, Pogo, and enjoying AOL. He volunteered as a counselor for Gambler's Anonymous as well as Hospice of Dubuque. His thirteen children were his proudest achievement and he loved and cared for all of them with grace from the Lord. Frank's faith never faltered and with this strength in Jesus, his soul will live forever with Him. Frank is survived by his children, Michael (Shari) Gruber, Dubuque, IA, Deborah Gruber, Spanaway, WA, Lisa Gruber, Williamsburg, VA, Joseph (Joanne) Gruber, Dubuque, IA, Jeffrey Gruber, Dubuque, IA, Missy (Kevin) Donovan, Dubuque, IA, Monica (Steve) Kuhlman, Atlanta, GA, Brian Atchison, Dubuque, IA, Sara Gruber Marino, Cedar Rapids, IA, Curtis (Jenny) Gruber, Madison, WI, Paul (Erica) Gruber, Dubuque, IA, Mark (Jackie) Gruber, Moline, IA, Abi Gruber, Minneapolis, MN, grandchildren, Ryan, Brandon, Katie, Kristina, Tishana, Jacob, Jenna, Megan, Brittany, Emily, Ben, Jacob, Ajay, Lydia, Issac, Anthony, Andrew, Amelia, Adalee, and three great-grandchildren, Conner, Liam and Eli. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 41 years, Sheri and his son, Daniel. In lieu of flowers a Francis X. "Frank" Gruber, Jr. memorial fund has been established to be given to his favorite charities. The family would like to extend a special thank you and prayer to those who took such great care of Frank, especially Dr. Hermann, Dubuque Internal Medicine, Hospice of Dubuque and the volunteers at Meals on Wheels.