Norman Gruben

Norman Gruben obituary, Rochelle, IL

Norman Gruben

Norman Gruben Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Unger-Horner Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Rochelle on Jan. 30, 2025.
Norman George Gruben, 92, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Harvest Home Assisted Living near Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Norman was born August 23, 1932, to George and Marie (Harms) Gruben in Lee County, Illinois. He grew up on the family farm along with his two brothers, Dean and Wayne, and two younger sisters, Judith and Beverly. Norman graduated from Rochelle Township High School, served in the United States Army in Germany during the Korean War and worked with his dad
and brother on the family farm. Norman married Doris F. Bosecker on December 16, 1961, at Kings Presbyterian Church.
Norman and Doris raised their three children on a grain and livestock farm in rural Kings. They were faith-filled and active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rochelle where Norman was involved with various areas of church ministries and leadership. He also served on the Rochelle Township High School Board of Education. He was a man of few words, had a gentle spirit, and offered an occasional witty remark. Norman was a skilled craftsman who built numerous items wherever there was a need. He supported Doris' card-making and quilting by building a variety of worktables, storage units, and a sewing table. He enjoyed repairing antique furniture and building countless woodworking treasures for his children and grandchildren. Following retirement from farming, Norman and Doris enjoyed traveling to Europe and Australia. After Norman survived burns from a barn explosion in 2014, he and Doris continued to delight in the lives of their children and nine grandchildren.
Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Doris on July 14, 2024, his parents, and his brothers, Dean and Wayne. He is survived by his sisters, Judith Harr and Beverly (Brad) Beach; son Kreg Gruben (Wendy) of Edgerton, WI; daughter Lanette Schumacher (Tim) of Sheboygan, WI; son Kurt Gruben (Kathy) of Sheboygan, WI; grandchildren Peter Schumacher (Katelyn), Maggie Gruben, Karl Schumacher (Ashley), Lydia Gruben, Anna Gruben, Dane Schumacher, Naomi Gruben, Natalie Gruben, Hans Gruben (Hannah), and great-grandchild Clara Schumacher. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 2nd, at 2-5 pm at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6 th Street, Rochelle. A funeral service will be held Monday, February 3rd, at 11 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1415 10 th Avenue, Rochelle.
In lieu of flowers, you may consider making a memorial donation to St. Paul Lutheran School, Rochelle, IL. The family also invites you to share a message on this Norman's memorial page.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Norman Gruben, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Norman's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Norman Gruben's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Norman Gruben's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?