Emerson "Gene" Eugene Gruber

Emerson Eugene “Gene” Gruber, 93 of Bloomington, passed away on January 15, 2019. He was born on April 5, 1925 in Troy, Ohio to the late Harry and Lena Gruber.

At the time of his death, he resided in Bloomington, Indiana for almost 10 years after moving from Indianapolis. He retired from Winona Memorial Hospital as Director of Security in 1990.  He was an avid sports fan and devoted follower of the Atlanta Braves and the Ohio State Buckeyes. His hobbies included fishing, fishing, and more fishing, grilling, tending to his garden, working in the yard, and just doing chores all around the house. He certainly loved his coffee and those crossword puzzles.

Gene was a decorated veteran serving during World War II and the Korean War.  He enlisted in the Army in 1943 and transitioned to the Air Force by 1951.  Among the many medals, badges, and commendations, was The Airman’s Medal for Heroism which he received in 1965 for risking his life to save his fellow airmen after an explosion of an F-6 refueler. He retired from the Air Force in March of 1967.

Gene was preceded in passing by his son, Milton; brother, Harry; and parents, Harry and Lena Gruber.

He is survived by his loving partner, Anne Puglis of 37 years; his children and their spouses, Chuck and Jane Gruber, Carol and Kevin Gosser, and Christina Gruber; step-children and their spouses, James Puglis, Bill and Jane Westdyke, Sandy and Tim Elsner, and Annette Broderick; his grandchildren, Matthew, Marlon, Jared, Charity, Amber, Will, Sammi, Lauren, Daniel, and Cristiaan; and great-grandchildren, Madyson, Ty, Jaxson, Chloe, Ezekiel, Zoey, Olivia, Angelina, Sofie, Chessney, Selena, Alyssa and his 13th great-grandchild expected in June.

Visitation will be on Monday, January 21, 2019, at Flanner Buchanan-Speedway, 2950 N. High School Rd., from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with the service immediately following. Burial will take place at West Ridge Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.