Fort Atkinson, WI – Don Gruber passed away on July 11, 2023 at Alden Estates of Jefferson. He was born December 24, 1937 to Edward and Frieda Gruber of Spring Green, WI, and married Carol Hoesly on August 8, 1959. He was a graduate of Spring Green High School, got his Bachelor’s degree at UW-Platteville, and earned his Master’s Degree from UW-Madison.
Don was a gifted athlete excelling in football, baseball, and basketball, which he played collegiately at UW-Platteville, entering their athletic Hall of Fame in 1984. He was a longtime educator, coach, and athletic director at Waterloo, Hartford, and for over 30 years at Fort Atkinson. He was elected into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and was an inaugural inductee onto the Fort Atkinson High School Athletic Wall of Fame.
Don was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children, Mark (Dawn) Gruber of Burlington, Gayle (Jeff) Boos of Fort Atkinson, Greg (Janine) Gruber of Sun Prairie; his grandchildren, Nicole (Mark) Gavigan, Tanner (Bree) Boos, Braeden Gruber, Josh Gruber, Kaelyn Gruber; and three great grandchildren, Cayson and Callie Gavigan, and Graham Boos. He is further survived by his brother, Jim (Jo) Gruber, sisters-in-law Delores (Ron) Einerson and Janis Hoesly; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by countless teammates, fishing and golf buddies, and former athletes whose lives he impacted. He is further survived by his longtime assistant coach Gary (Bonnie) Hamm, a beloved friend.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carol of 62 years, and his brother-in-law Dwight Hoesly.
Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday, July 20 at Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson, and 9-11 am on Friday, July 21 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Atkinson. A mass of Christian burial will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or made out to Don Gruber which will be used to establish an athletic scholarship in his honor.
Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
Don Gruber
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