Peter "Pete" Michael Gruitch

Pete was born January 24th, 1939, in Berwyn, Illinois to Zarko and Violet Gruitch. He was the third son, following brothers, Dick and Bob Gruitch. The family moved to Denver when he was just a teenager. It was there that he met Donna Lee Ladd on a blind date at age fifteen. Donna knew after their first date that she would marry this man, which she did so on August 15th, 1959. They went on to have 4 children: Denise (Rich) Anaya, John (Belinda) Gruitch, Mariessa (Clark) Bearden and Beth Gruitch (David Wright), 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Pete is survived by his brother, Bob and sister-in-law, Betty. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna (54 years of marriage), his parents, his brother, Dick and sister-in-law, Judy.

In the 60’s, Pete moved his family to Colorado Springs, where he worked for the next 25+ years at the First National Bank reaching senior vice-president status. Pete loved his family, but his true passion centered around his Hot Rods. Pete had an eye for clean lines, fast engines and all things cars! He was a charter member of the Colorado Springs Rod and Custom Car Club, a board member for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and owned a number of classic cars including the ‘55 Chevy Nomad. Other prize possessions included: “Baby Huey” the '41 fat fender Ford, a 356 Speedster, '32 Cabriolet, '29 Highboy Roadster, '32 5-window Ford Coupe, '50 Mercury, ’40 Ford Coupe, '69 Karmann Ghia and various VW bugs, amongst others throughout the years. In 1989, he bought a house in Green Mountain Falls solely for the size of the garage.

In his later years, Pete discovered the joy of international travel. He traveled to Eastern Europe with his children, Ireland and Hawaii with Julie, a good friend. He spent holidays and special occasions with his family in Texas, Arkansas, and Mexico.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00PM on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. A Reception is to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Swan-Law.com for the Gruitch family.