Etta M. Gruber

1919 - 2012

Etta M. Gruber, age 92, of Hilbert, died on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at Rocky Knoll in Plymouth. She was born February 23, 1919 in Charlesburg, WI, daughter of the late George & Margaretha (Daun) Pethan. She married Roland Gruber on November 24, 1942 and the couple farmed together in the Town of New Holstein until 1949. They then moved and worked hand in hand on their farm in the Town of Woodville until 1989 when they retired and began residing in the Village of Hilbert. Etta was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert since 1989, but had previously belonged to St. John Catholic Church in St. John for the previous 40 years. During her time at St. John, she belonged to the Christian Mothers, and was a very involved charter member of the Mission Society, having made numerous quilts which were donated both locally, nationally, and internationally. Etta had also been a 50 year member of the 4 Leaf Clover Homemakers, volunteered countless hours serving others at the Salvatorian Center in New Holstein, and donated several gallons of blood through the American Red Cross Blood Drives throughout her life. Etta loved to sing; she was very involved in the St. John Choir and encouraged her children to participate as well. Later in life, she took her singing talents 'on the road' while singing Alto for the Sweet Adeline's; this music remained a vibrant piece of Etta's life, even while residing at Rocky Knoll. She enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, quilting, bowling, dancing the night away with her husband, playing Sheepshead and 500, and caring for her children. Cooking was one of Etta's fortes. She was well known for her ability to create large, delicious meals from scratch at the drop of a hat; each meal came complete with a freshly baked chocolate cake. Etta knew the value of hard work, and dedication to her family and community. Her involvement with both were outward and visible signs of the love she shared with all she met. Survivors include her husband: Roland; 6 children: JoAnn (Jim) Anhalt of Plymouth, Elaine (Virg) Navis of Sheboygan, Charlotte (Ron) Baker of Kirkland, WA, Marjorie (Bob) Fritsch of Greenleaf, Ruby Thomas of Marshfield, Mark (Sally) Gruber of Hilbert; 13 grandchildren: Jodi (Mike) Russell, Jacalyn (Bob) Jelinek, Brenda (Phil) Phipps, Craig (Karla) Anhalt, Jonathan (Tammy) Anhalt, Damian (Michelle) Anhalt, Kelly (Duncan) Coffey, Glenn (Jessica) Baker-Ballantyne, Sarah (Dan) Vercauteren, Ryan (Amber) Fritsch, Kim Fritsch, Reid Thomas, Amanda Gruber; 19 great-grandchildren with 2 more to be soon arriving; a sister: Martha Ecker; 2 sisters-in-law: Delores Pethan, Mary Anne Gruber; and 2 brothers-in-law: Jerry (Dale) Gruber and Harold Gruber. Etta is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sons-in-law: Tom Anhalt, Rollie Thomas; 2 sisters: Marie (Zeno) Meyers, Rose (Gregor) Propson; 3 brothers: Roman (Leona) Pethan, Henry (Gertrude) Pethan, Leonard Pethan; 2 brothers-in-law: Marvin Ecker, Norman (Isabelle) Gruber; and 3 sisters-in-law: Arlene Gruber, Trudy Gruber, and Teri Gruber. Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert with the Rev. Michael Betley officiating. Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM on Saturday, February 25, 2012.

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