Eugene Gruetzner

Eugene was born January 27, 1946 in Houston, Texas to Elmon and Edna (Walther) Gruetzner. He was preceded in death by his Father, Elmon Gruetzner, his Brother, Larry Gruetzner and Brother in-law, Richard Kohler. Eugene is survived by his Mother, Edna (Walther) Gruetzner, brother Allen Gruetzner and wife Glenda of Kerrville, Texas, sister Mary Jane Warren and husband Larry of Prescott, Arizona, sister-in-law Cathy Gruetzner, nieces and nephews, Julia Kohler, Lynn Kohler, Mark and Jessica Gruetzner, Christopher and Tawny Kohler, Cheryl and Brian Admire, Robyn and Kevin Kasper, John Gruetzner and Sarah Gruetzner, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends whom Eugene loved very much.

Eugene was baptized soon after he was born and confirmed his baptismal vows on May 5, 1960 at St. Mark Lutheran Church under the instruction of Pastor Edwin Keiper.

Eugene was a 1964 graduate of Spring Branch High School in Houston, Texas. On June 17, 1966, he was drafted into the Army where he served in Korea. He received his honorable discharge on June 16, 1972 after serving two years active duty and then four years on reserve. When he returned home after his service in the Army, he worked with his Dad as a sheetrocker. He continued in this career for many years until later in his life he became a big-rig truck driver. When Eugene could have retired, he wanted to continue working. He began working at Igloo Products Company in Katy, Texas where he was employed for 15 years. It was only during his battle with cancer that he realized it was time to retire.

Eugene led somewhat of a quiet life. He was kind, gentle, considerate, unselfish and generous. He loved his family very much. He always made the effort to attend family baptisms, weddings and celebrations with his Mother in tow. For many years Eugene selflessly and lovingly cared for his Mother until his failing health would no longer allow him to do so. Eugene loved his Houston Oiler football team, now the Houston Texans and the Houston Astros. One of his favorite Friday night hang-outs was the Sam Houston Race Park where he enjoyed watching and betting on the horse races. Simple pleasures for a simple and loving man. He will be forever remembered by family and friends.

Eugene will be laid to rest with military honors on Friday August 28, 2020 at the Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive at 10:30 a.m. Following, at 1 p.m. there will be A Celebration of Eugene’s Life at St. Mark Lutheran Church on 1515 Hillendahl Blvd., Houston, Texas.

Memorial donations in memory of Eugene may be made to Lutheran Hour Ministries.