Russell Eugene "Russ" Gruber

Russell Eugene Gruber, age 93, of Richland passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, September 17, 2022. He was born on July 3, 1929, in South Haven, Michigan, the son of Harold J. Gruber and Carra (Kreigh) Gruber. Russ was raised on the family farm during the depression with eight brothers and sisters: Grace (Barry) Cushman, Paul (Leilanii) Gruber, and Glenda Emmons. Deceased siblings are Ethelyn Pierce, Leona Robinson, Caroline (Ward) Emmons, Richard (Donna) Gruber, and Edgar (Hope) Gruber.

Russ joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1946. After attending boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, he was sent to Camp Pendleton, California, for advanced combat training. The majority of his service was spent in the South Pacific area in Hawaii, Guam, and the Mariana's. He also served one year in China during the Chinese Revolution with the 1st Marine Division.

After his discharge, Russ earned his GED from Battle Creek Community College. He furthered his education by attending classes in electronics at Tristate College in Angola, Indiana.

Russ and Grace E. Kelsey were married on October 30, 1948, in Otsego, Michigan. They raised four children and all earned college degrees: Judy Gruber (deceased in 2005), Kathy Howard (Jack), Pamela Clark (Keith, deceased), and Russell, II (Samantha). After 54 years of marriage, Grace preceded Russ in death in 2002.

In January, 1950, Russ began his career working for Consumers Power Company, as a Hydro Plant Operator of the electric generation dams on the Kalamazoo River. He was certified to operate the following dams: Allegan, Otsego, Plainwell, Monroe St., in Battle Creek, Ceresco, and Albion. In October,1956, Russ was transferred to Bronson, Michigan, with his family and became an Electric Sub Station Operator in the Battle Creek Division for the next fourteen years.

While living in Bronson, Russell was an active member of the Bronson Methodist Church. He served on the Board of Trustees and was Chairman of the Building Committee. Russ was also a member of Mystic Lodge #141, Free and Accepted Masons, where he was a Past Master and Chairman of the Building Committee.

In January of 1970, Russ was transferred to Marshall, Michigan, as a Division Consumers Power Supervisor. In July 1976, Russ and the family moved to Richland, Michigan, where he became Region Supervisor of the Hi Voltage Substations in the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek Regions. After 40 years of service, Russ retired from Consumers Energy Company in January, 1998, as Region Sub Station Superintendent.

Russ married Rheyma Rutter on August 7, 2004, at the Gull Lake Methodist Church. Russ enjoyed his retirement in Richland, Michigan. Russ and Rheyma were active members of the Gull Lake Methodist Church. Russ served on the Board of Trustees and the Building Committee. Russ was a member of Otsego Post #84 of the American Legion and served on the Honor Guard.

Russ was a collector of antiques and old military guns. He enjoyed golfing, traveling around the USA, cruise ships, and vacations in the South, Alaska, and Canada.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 27th at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. A Masonic Service will follow at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday. Funeral services will be held 12:00 noon, Wednesday, September 28th at the Gull Lake United Methodist Church, 8640 Gull Road, Richland. The service was recorded and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/754803334/f7536bc758. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of Flowers, please consider making donations to the American Legion Post #84, 410 E. Orleans Street Otsego, MI 49078.