John F. Gruber

John Franklin Gruber of Muskego, Wisconsin, born January 7, 1935, was greeted by the Lord and savior on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at age 91.

John was married to his wife and “his best girlfriend” Joanne Gruber (nee Rosenthal) for 68 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Irene Gruber of West Allis, and his brother Frederick Gruber of Beaumont, Texas.

He is survived by wife of 68 years, Joanne, (nee Rosenthal), his children Jeff Gruber of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jay (Marietta Pucillo) Gruber of South Milwaukee, and Jodi (Bill) Kristian of Necedah, Wisconsin, his grand-daughters Alexandra (Nevin) Gordan-Keolanui of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and Samantha (Joseph Pino) Kristian of San Diego, California, his nephew Gerel, his niece Kat, and a host of other friends and loved ones.

Life has been good John, thanks to the many who encouraged him. He was a good baseball pitcher in the early days on state championship teams, as well as the youngest player to ever play in and become president of the Wisconsin Amateur Baseball Congress.

He graduated from Nathan Hale High School before attending UW-Madison and Marquette University, where he studied sociology and philosophy. He received his Master’s degree in education administration from UW-Milwaukee.

Throughout the years, he has worked for the West Allis, Oak Creek, and Milwaukee Recreation Departments. He has also served as the coordinator of the MPS Community Education Program and has earned a spot in the Wisconsin Community Education Hall of Fame.

As a family, he and Joanne have enjoyed many trips together, including domestically and internationally.

John will be missed by all whom he has touched.

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 National Avenue, New Berlin, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Ceremony at 1:00 PM. Burial will be held privately.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to All Saints Lutheran Church in Oak Creek.