Richard J. Gruender

April 28, 1924 - April 3, 2020

Fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church Friday, April 3, 2020. Loving husband of the late Patricia Gruender (nee Cooper). Beloved father of Steven (Michelle) Gruender, Susan (John) Meilink, Michael (Denise) Gruender, Lisa (friend, Jim) Sikes, Judy (Dale) Tebeau; dear grandfather of Lauren (Rob) Hosenfelt, the late Brian Gruender, Jamie (Tim) Keim, Nathan (Jennifer) Higgins, Morgan Gruender, Mallory Gruender, Eric Sikes, Kelsey Sikes, Casey (fiance, Jen) Tebeau, Ryan Tebeau and Courtney (friend, John) Tebeau; dear great-grandfather of Nolan and Harrison. Dear brother of the late Mary (Charlie) Wand, Robert and Ralph (Jean) Gruender. Our dear uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend to many. Richard (Dick) was born and raised in St. Louis Missouri. He enlisted in the Marines during WWII, serving in the South Pacific. He loved his country, was proud of his service and looked back on it with favor. A loving husband for 50 years and father of five; serious in many ways but with a sense of humor. Dick stressed to his children the merit of a good education, the value of moral character, doing things right, and applying yourself 100%. To accommodate the growing family, he creatively added the entire second story onto the existing home. Dick was active as a Boy Scout leader in Troop 364 building strong friendships which continued into his senior years. He was independent in many ways, courageous enough to start and run a small business with his father. Active in his church and true to his faith which carried over to his children. He will be missed by many, but never forgotten. Family is forever grateful to the caring staff at St. Luke’s Hospital Surrey Place for their compassion and dedication to their father. Private Services. Interment Calvary Cemetery. Masses preferred. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Vincent DePaul or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are appreciated. A Buchholz Mortuary West Service.