He was born on December 29, 1920, in Peoria to Paul H and Louise (Rose) Gruber. He married Betty Jean Roof on February 7, 1942, in Palmyra, MO. She preceded him in death on March 4, 2008. He later married Nettie Hersemann in Bellevue, IL, on August 25, 2012, and she preceded him in death on May 11, 2014.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Paula Jean Wenzel; two sisters, Irene Gruber Eberle and Helen Gruber; one brother, Robert Gruber; and one granddaughter, Teresa Ann Poehlman.
Surviving are his two sons, Terry E. (Sharon) Gruber of Washington and Rev. David P. (Diane) Gruber of Peoria; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and his good friend and caregiver, Charlotte Hill.
Paul served in the U.S. Army Air Corp as a Technical Sergeant during World War II, where he worked on B-17 Bombers. He worked as a Electrician and Plastics Molder for Peoria Plastics Co. until retiring in 1993. He was a member of the VFW Post 2078 in East Peoria and attended WhiteRose Fellowship Church in Bellevue for many years. Paul was an avid bowler and was active in several Peoria area leagues.
A visitation will be Thursday, September 6, 2018, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at WhiteRose Fellowship Church in Bellevue. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m., with visitation a half hour prior to the service, on Friday, September 7, 2018, at the church. Mr. Brad Ulick will officiate. Cremation will follow the service and burial of the urn will be at Fondulac Cemetery at a later date.
Remmert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to WhiteRose Fellowship Church in Bellevue.
Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.remmertfuneralhome.com.
