Stephen Paul Gruber, 58 of Plant City, Florida passed July 12, 2020. COVID may have been the vehicle to bring him to heaven's doorstep but it wasn't the victor. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We can only imagine his view and perspective.
He was born in Lima, Peru January 8, 1962 to jungle missionary parents where they themselves presided for the majority of 33 years. Their love for the Lord and outreach to the broken and disabled, the remote and forgotten birthed something in both children; continuing on in their legacy of surrendered service to the Lord.
Steve graduated from Ben Lippen High School in 1981, dreaming of being a jungle pilot. He found a different calling after journeying through a bit of life and serving in the US Navy on the USS Ranger. He would obtain an associate's degree at ITT and spent much of his life as a service technician working to keep people safe in the fire, security and healthcare industry. His work, like his life was lived largely behind the scenes, content to not receive accolades while still giving his all to build up and assist others.
He married his wife, Danine later on in life on May 12, 2007 - embracing and becoming a father to Brittany and Tristan. He loved and cherished his family, missions and serving behind the scenes in church, abroad and in the Tres Dias, Vida Nueva community. The latter, an organization seeking to build leaders from all Christian denominations to not be idle but to serve their own communities and church bodies
Steve is described by many as a humble servant, selfless friend-husband-dad and gentle warrior. He stood for what is true and right, yet met people where they were. He truly sought to build up those around him and enable others to succeed while taking a backseat. He showed a love as close to unconditional this side of heaven to many. He will be greatly missed but his life was lived in such a way to inspire us each to live and love well and to cherish those around us. But most of all, to point them toward our Savior Jesus and to eternity where our true hope lies.
He's survived by sister Sharon (Scott) MacLean and their daughters Karis and Luana. His cousin, Dianne (Bill) Annis and their children Ben, Abby and Joey.
By his beloved wife, Danine Gruber and treasured daughter Brittany L. Whitney and son Tristan (Athara) Bergman. Extended family Tim, Jeremiah (Leah) and Emmett. And countless family members not related by DNA here in the states and abroad. Each special and each noting a loss of friend and brother in Christ.
FACEBOOK PAGE FOR SHARING & INFORMATION
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https://www.facebook.com/Steve-Grubers-Celebration-of-Life-108717557589268
There is a Facebook page titled Steve Gruber's Celebration of Life where you can leave Danine and family a sweet message, prayer, verse, or song.
Also, please feel free to post any pictures that you have with Steve on the page. Sharing encouragement and your fond memories of Steve bring light to this loss. This Facebook page is also where we will live stream Steve's service on Saturday, 7/25 at 9am for those that are unable to attend in person.
DONATIONS IN STEVE'S HONOR
The family is requesting donations to a special non-profit in lieu of flowers. It is a church and mission that Steve and Danine have served alongside over the years called Friends of Koinonia Peru, Inc. They have long held them near and dear to their heart. Like no other, this mission and people are Christ's hands in action to the jungle, city, desert, and mountains of Peru. Since March, they have been devastated exponentially by COVID and still seek to come alongside one another in community with whatever they have. Steve's passing from COVID can be an agent of healing and hope there. Donations can be made via mail to Friends of Koinonia Peru, Inc. P.O. Box 2354, Boone, NC, 28607 or through Venmo @friendsofkoinonia (Brian Vander Kodde).
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE INVITATION - RSVP REQUIRED
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https://www.eventbrite.com/e/steve-grubers-celebration-of-life-tickets-113802556510
The invitation for the celebration of life is below. There is very limited space and only 125 people will be able to attend in person. There are strict safety precautions listed in the invitation that must be followed to attend. Please read them carefully. To attend you must RSVP by clicking Attend Event and Register with how many people will attend. Please do not register if you are unable to attend in person so that we have space for those that would like to be there. Once we've reached capacity, all others will be able to watch the outdoor service via live stream on the Facebook page mentioned above.
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