"Alberta and family, I am sorry to hear about uncle Duane and wish I could be there, but I will always have the memories. When I was in the 4th grade with Sister Frances, she asked if I was related to a Duane Gruver. Not sure on how I was going to answer but finially said yes. Later that day when no one was around, she proceeded to tell me that she had taught Duane. The stories to tell me and wish I could remember them all but the one when he was in trouble and she put him under her desk, is the one I will never forget, beacuse when I asked Duane he laughed and told me the rest of the story. Will keep you all in my prayers. Bob and LaVonnes daughter "
In loving memory of
Wayne F. Gruver
August 11, 1939 - January 20, 2012
Duane Francis Gruver was born August 11, 1939, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, the son of Charles and Gladys (Rubel) Gruver. He grew up in Emmetsburg where he also attended school. After his schooling he moved to Chicago where he worked for Cointeria Vending Company. In 1968, he moved to Fort Dodge for a short time before coming to Algona to work for Reding's Gravel and Excavating.
On March 6, 1971, Wayne was united in marriage to Alberta Pergande at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona. Following their marriage they lived in Algona and Wayne later went to work for the city of Algona for 32 years, retiring in 2004.
He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, fishing, sitting on the deck and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran.
Wayne died Friday, January 20, 2012, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona, Iowa. He was 72.
He is survived by his wife, Berta Gruver of Algona; children, Jerold and Jennifer Gruver of El Paso, TX; Molly and Gerry Hoffman of Charles City; Melinda and Rod Glackin of Everly; Tiffany and Phil Berte, Jr. of Bancroft; Michelle Gruver and friend Lyman Herold of Algona; 15 grandchildren: Ian, Matthew, Nicholas and Faylynee Gruver; Taylor, Kara and Hannah Hoffman; Luke, Scott and Cody Glackin; Dylan, Devon and Noah Berte; Addyson Nelson and Annabelle Herold. Also surviving are his brothers, Robert and Lavonne Gruver of Fort Dodge; Don and Jean Gruver of Adel; Ronnie and Ilene Gruver of Lynnville; sister, Cleo Crawford of Mesa, AZ; two half- brothers and two half-sistes and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Kenny Gruver; father and mother-in-law, Albert and Berniece Pergande and two brothers-in-law, Darrell Carr and Wayne Bramley.
Tributes
"Molly, Gerry & family - So sorry to hear of the death of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God be with you to help all of you heal. Your friends from Trinity, Osage."
"Berta and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"We were so saddened to hear of your loss. There were so many great memories. And will continue to live in our hearts. God bless."
"Tiffany, Phil and your family along with your Mom and siblings. We are so sorry to hear of your Dad's death...remembering all of you in thoughts and prayers.. "
" We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our brother Wayne. We will cherish the memories of the times we spent together. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bob Gruver"
"ALBERTA AND FAMILY, SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. GOD TOOK HIM BY HIS HAND AND LED HIM HOME. IT'S SO HARD BUT KEEP THE FAITH AND YOU WILL GO FORWARD IN TIME. TREASURE YOUR MEMORIES. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE FAMILY. TRUDY COOK SCHMITT "
"Our deepest condolences to the Gruver family. Althoug we never met Wayne we knew of him from our son-in-law, Jerry. I know that there are no words that wil bring him back. Your memories will keep him alive in your heart. Clovis & Rosa Thompson"
"Our deepest condolences to the Gruver Family. Your in our hearts and prayers. We are friends of Mr.and Mrs. Jerry Gruver. We know words can never bring Wayne back but he is now an Angel watching over his entire family. With our deepest condolences again to you all. CPT and Mrs. Michael J. Newton, US Army"