Jerome E. “Joe” Gruell, age 85, of 227 Delta Avenue; Gladstone, passed away on Friday afternoon, October 24th, 2008 at Marquette General Hospital.

Jerome was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 21st, 1923 to Charles and Marie (Griesbach) Gruell and was raised on the family farm in the Fence and Florence, Wisconsin areas. His continued lifelong love of the outdoors stemmed from working on that farm.  On June 29th, 1973, Jerome married the former Jean C. Goodreau in Iron Mountain and they made their home in the Gladstone area since.

Having been employed in the construction field for many years, he was a member of the Operating Engineers Local #324 of Escanaba and he formerly retired 24 years ago.

His family remembers his enjoyment of gardening, telling “corny jokes”, and working in the woods. Hauling wood with his John Deere tractor was always a special pleasure for him. Jerome’s Christian faith and devoted membership in his church, currently St. Martin Evangelical Covenant Church located in Rapid River, was central to his life.             

In addition to his wife, Jean, Jerome “Joe” Gruell survivors include:

2 Sons-David (Diane) Gruell of St. Claire, MI; Dan Johnson of Escanaba

3 Daughters- Sandra (James) Tasma of Grand Rapids, MI; Janet (Richard) Schaal of Crystal Falls, MI; Vicki Johnson of Escanaba

1 Sister- Delores “Dolly” Yahr of Milwaukee, WI

10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerome was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Eugene and George Gruell, and by a sister, Lois Shelton.

The family of Jerome “Joe” Gruell will receive friends on Monday, October 27th, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Services celebrating his life will follow at 6:00 p.m. on Monday at St. Martin Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rapid River with Rev. Phillip Paustian officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery; Wells. The Skradski-Boyce Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Gruell family.