Robert "Bob" John Gruening

Robert "Bob" Gruening, 93, peacefully entered the loving arms of his Savior on August 6, 2024, at Rennes Health and Rehab, Weston. He was born on March 17, 1931, in Wausau; one of five brothers born to Art and Stella Gruening.

The family attended St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Schofield, where Bob was baptized, confirmed and eventually married. He married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Wendorf, at St. Peter on May 5, 1951. Both Bob and Dar were proud to sing in the Senior Choir and were faithful members of the congregation who made "the walk" from the old church building to where it now stands on top of Grand Avenue. There was never a question as to what to do on Sunday morning; he would be found worshiping at church with their family. 

In his earlier years, Bob served honorably in the United States Army Reserves. He was a tremendous salesman bidding structural steel for a variety of construction jobs. He was proud of his success in his career without ever having earned a degree in engineering. Bob and Dar made two trips to several European countries over the years, but a trip to Luther Land would remain as a trip they would never forget. Bob found his niche in life being a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a loyal friend. He was a true people-person, sharing his great sense of humor with everyone he met; especially with his close to 30 friends at Eagle’s Nest. Despite his health struggles, the love he shared with his family never faded and he remained faithful to his Savior.

Bob was a life-long fisherman who had a great last summer of fishing. He and Scott built their cabin on their acreage in Merrill by hand and would spend many memorable hunting seasons there or fishing on South Blue Lake. Bob will also be remembered for being an avid Brewers, Badgers, and Packers fan.

Bob made his joy and passion for life live on in all those whose lives he touched. He is survived by his sons, Randy (Beth) and Scott (Faye); three grandchildren, Ryan Gruening, Preston Gruening and Kimberly Haugen; and four great-grandchildren, Kameron, Jaeden, Nathan, and Nickolas. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Darlene; and four brothers, Marvin, Melvin, Donald, and Kenneth Gruening. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 12, at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, 1351 Grand Ave, Schofield. Pastor Kevin Schnake will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church. 

Bob’s family would like to especially thank the staff at Rennes Health & Rehab for their excellent care of Bob and their family.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Weston, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared online at www.ascendweston.org