SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — Norman George Gruben, 92, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Harvest Home Assisted Living near Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Norman was born August 23, 1932, to George and Marie (Harms) Gruben in Lee County, Illinois. He grew up on the family farm along with his two brothers, Dean and Wayne, and two younger sisters, Judith and Beverly. Norman graduated from Rochelle Township High School, served in the United States Army in Germany during the Korean War and worked with his dad and brother on the family farm. Norman married Doris F. Bosecker on December 16, 1961, at Kings Presbyterian Church.

Norman and Doris raised their three children on a grain and livestock farm in rural Kings. They were faith-filled and active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rochelle where Norman was involved with various areas of church ministries and leadership. He also served on the Rochelle Township High School Board of Education. He was a man of few words, had a gentle spirit, and offered an occasional witty remark. Norman was a skilled craftsman who built numerous items wherever there was a need. He supported Doris’ card-making and quilting by building a variety of worktables, storage units, and a sewing table.  He enjoyed repairing antique furniture and building countless woodworking treasures for his children and grandchildren. Following retirement from farming, Norman and Doris enjoyed traveling to Europe and Australia. After Norman survived burns from a barn explosion in 2014, he and Doris continued to delight in the lives of their children and nine grandchildren.

 Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Doris on July 14, 2024, his parents, and his brothers, Dean and Wayne. He is survived by his sisters, Judith Harr and Beverly (Brad) Beach; son Kreg Gruben (Wendy) of Edgerton, WI; daughter Lanette Schumacher (Tim) of Sheboygan, WI; son Kurt Gruben (Kathy) of Sheboygan, WI; grandchildren Peter Schumacher (Katelyn), Maggie Gruben, Karl Schumacher (Ashley), Lydia Gruben, Anna Gruben, Dane Schumacher, Naomi Gruben, Natalie Gruben, Hans Gruben (Hannah), and great-grandchild Clara Schumacher. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 2nd , at 2-5 pm at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6 th Street, Rochelle. A funeral service will be held Monday, February 3rd , at 11 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1415 10 th Avenue, Rochelle.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider making a memorial donation to St. Paul Lutheran School, Rochelle, IL. The family also invites you to share a message on Norman’s memorial page: ungerhorner.com/obituary/norman-gruben.