Donald Gruber

Donald Charles Gruber, age 83, of Sturgis, Michigan passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning, February 5, 2017 at his home. He was born March 12, 1933 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin son of the late A.A. and Edna (Dahlmann) Gruber. Don resided in Sturgis since 2000 coming from Kalamazoo where he lived from 1960 until moving to Sturgis. His early life was spent in Milwaukee where he was a graduate of Messmer High School with the class of 1950. He furthered his education at Marquette University where he earned a Bachelor degree in Science and Chemistry and later earned a Master degree in Chemistry from the Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. On October 24, 1959 he married Carolyn Dammann in Peoria, Illinois. Don retired from the Upjohn Company where he worked as a research chemist and in quality control from 1960-1994. Don was a ROTC officer with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers stationed in Alaska, earning the rank of Lieutenant First Class. He was an active member of the St. Clare Mission Parish in Centreville where he served as an usher. Don was a past president of the Hackett High School Board of Education in Kalamazoo. He enjoyed volunteering at the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, reading, working in his yard, and gardening and loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife: Carolyn; one son: Dr. David Gruber of Grand Rapids; two daughters: Christa Gruber of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and Ann Gruber de Oliveira of Maputa, Mozambicque; three grandchildren: Stefano, Sophie and Sandro de Oliveira; brother-in-law: Gordon (Karen) Dammann of Lena, Illinois; Sister-in-law: Elaine (Gary) Clark of Peoria, Illinois and several nieces and nephews. In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the St. Clare Mission Parish, 229 N. Dean St. in Centreville. Father Robert Raj and Deacon Bart Connelly will officiate. Private burial of the ashes will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan at a later date. The Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Gruber's memory consider the St. Clare Mission Parish Building Fund or the Air Zoo, 6151 Portage Rd., Portage 49002.