Richard E. Gruner, DDS

Richard E. “Rick” Gruner, DDS passed away surrounded by his loved ones on October 15, 2021 at the age of 77 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Miami, FL to the late Engel T. Gruner and Lylith S. Gruner, Rick is also preceded in death by his wife, Joan N. Gruner.

He was a devoted father to Richard E. Gruner, Jr. (Susan Spiers), Robyn Gruner Risinger (Wes) and Jeffrey S. Gruner, MD (Rachel). He was a loving grandfather to Emily, Trey , Elise, David, and Isabelle Gruner, great-grandfather to Noah Gruner, step-grandfather to Crystal Leybas (Ian), and step-great-grandfather to Cole and Kaylee Leybas. Rick is also survived by his brother, Robert E. Gruner, MD. (Lillie), sister-in-law Jane N. Robicheaux, many beloved nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Rick received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loyola University School of Dentistry following which he proudly served in Viet Nam as a Captain in the U.S. Army. After returning from Viet Nam, Rick began a successful career in dentistry with offices in New Orleans and Mandeville, retiring due to illness after fifty years of practice. In addition, he served many years as a professor at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry.

In his spare time, Rick enjoyed playing sports, coaching, watching the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers, and vacationing at the beach . But most of all, Rick was an avid outdoorsman. He thoroughly enjoyed fishing, hunting, crabbing and spending time on the boat with his family and lifelong friends.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the many physicians and staff who cared for him over the last five years, especially those at Our Lady of the Lake and Baton Rouge General in Baton Rouge, La., and at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, Ok.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service to be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 on Friday, November 12, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. An inurnment will follow the service in All Saints Mausoleum. Following the services, all are invited to a Celebration of Life reception at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home’s Event Center.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital: www.stjude.org/donate or the Wounded Warrior Project: support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

The family invites you to express your fond thoughts and condolences online at lakelawnmetairie.com.