William Henry Gruppe III

Bill was born in Gary, Indiana, on October 1, 1955, to William Henry Gruppe, Jr. and Wynn Dolores (Burnett) Gruppe. Bill grew up in Muncie, Indiana and attended Muncie Northside High School, class of 1974, and graduated from Purdue University in 1979, with a degree in chemical engineering. Bill married Kris Tank, a fellow Purdue graduate in 1981, and they have one son, William Andrew Gruppe.

Strong, determined, caring, super smart, and independent, Bill loved his family, adventure, sports, and travel. After working for Seagrams for a few years upon graduation from college, Bill’s entrepreneurial and independent streak led him to work in many business ventures with his father and brother including G & G Oil of Muncie and also led him to start several successful businesses of his own throughout central Indiana.

As a child and young man, Bill excelled at his studies. He was also a determined and focused athlete. At age 5, he finished a mile long swim in the Huntington Reservoir and continued to swim throughout his school career. As an adult he loved to golf with friends and family - and to win the competition. When he set his mind to something, he made it happen. Bill always brought surprise, a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous spirit into any room he entered. The light, love, and kindness he brought to so many of his friends, family and even strangers will be with us in spirit.

Bill was preceded in death by his father and mother (2004 and 2017), and his brother, Michael Burnett Gruppe (2010). Surviving is his son, William Andrew Gruppe and his partner, Melissa, and her daughter, Rory; Andrew’s mother, Kris Tank Gruppe; as well as Bill’s sister Mary Deborah Rutherford and brother-in-law, Frank and his sister Kathleen Ann Goebel and brother-in-law, Peter. He is also loved and appreciated by his nephews and nieces, as well as his aunt and uncle and many cousins.

A memorial service to honor William's life will be held Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Elm Ridge Memorial Park, North Chapel of the Mausoleum, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304.

A reception at Delaware Country Club will immediately follow the service until 5:30 p.m. All who knew and loved Bill and his family and friends are welcome. Donations in memory and honor of Bill can be made to the Muncie Mission.

Elm Ridge Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elmridgefuneralhome.com for the Gruppe family.