Franklin J. Grusy

1935 - 2025

Franklin J. Grusy

February 9, 1935 - August 28, 2025

Franklin J. Grusy, 90, of Gridley, Ill., went to his heavenly home on August 28, 2025, at Carle BroMenn in Normal, Ill.

Frank was born on February 9, 1935, at his home place in Gridley, to Emil and Elizabeth Zimmerman Grusy. He married his best friend and classmate, Irma Sommer of Gridley, at the Meadows Mennonite Church, on January 8, 1956. She survives.

Survivors include his daughter, Penny Grusy, Gridley; son, Franklin James (Kathy) Grusy, Middlebury, Ind.; and a son, Timothy (Jennifer) Grusy, Gridley. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Christie Grusy, Stephanie (Raj) Shah, Joe (Shalani) Grusy, Brittany (Todd) Jurek, Jackie Grusy, and Alan (Katie) Grusy. Frank had eight great-grands, Savanna, Natalie, Lane, Gabe, Vaylen, Katelyn, Emma, and Liam. Also surviving is a sister, Marilyn Hany; and a brother, Burton (Nancy) Grusy, Gridley.

He was preceded in death by a son, Alan Grusy; sisters, Genevieve (Reid) Hendrichs, Kathleen (Roger) Kaufman; and brother-in-law, Robert Hany.

Frank graduated from Gridley High School where he was a two sport all-conference selection. He loved to support the Gridley/El Paso, Gridley teams claiming to be the school's super fan. He was a school bus driver for the Gridley district for 30 years driving a regular route and to extracurricular activities.

He was a lifetime Livingston County farmer being a leader in the conservation programs. He loved the land and was a FFA Outstanding State Farmer and an Outstanding young farmer in Livingston County. He began his farming career in 1955, and his brother Burt joined him four years later working together as a team.

Frank was very involved in his community being on the Gridley School Board and served as President, was part of the Gridley Community Club where he and his brother Burt were in charge of cooking the sweet corn in the kettle over the fire for the fall cookout, working the Gridley Community Sale where you could usually find him in the animal sale area, and driving the ambulance for the Gridley Emergency Squad.

Frank was baptized and became a member of the Meadows Mennonite Church in 1955. He served in leadership on the church board in varying positions for 50 years. He attended Christ Community Church in Gridley when Meadows closed their doors in 2007.

He began his love of 4-H and the Livingston County Fair by joining the Waldo Peppy Clubbers to show his livestock. He later became a 4-H leader for the same club, served on the Livingston County Board, and served as the Beef superintendent at the Fair. He spent much time watching his children and grandchildren participating at this fair. Frank was still an active member of the Illinois Charolais Association where he has served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the organization.

Frank was a man of deep faith that loved family and was proud of his Grusy heritage. All of his family and extended family were very special to him. He loved his community, all people, and his country.

The visitation will be Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at Christ Community Church of Gridley. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Community Church of Gridley, with visitation one hour before. Burial will take place in the Gridley Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the EPG Booster Club or GEMS. Condolences and tributes can be sent to family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.

Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home

40 W. Main St., El Paso, IL 61738

309-527-4000