Fern Ruth Gruber, 93, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Fern was born on April 26, 1930, and grew up in the Brodhead area, the daughter of Walter and Florence (Wenger) Ellis. Fern was a devoted wife, mother and friend. She married Erwin Gruber on September 15, 1946, raising five children, Barbara, John, Jeff, Daniel, and Dean. Together, they farmed for many years in the Brodhead area, and many knew her as Mrs. Gruber, delivering fresh eggs each week on her route. Fern also enjoyed working in her garden and loved reading. She passed that love of reading and learning on to her children and grandchildren.

Fern was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. One of her greatest joys was seeing her family also dedicate themselves to serve the God of the Bible. She also enjoyed traveling to Arizona to visit family and friends. Two of her biggest travel adventures took her to Russia, attending conventions that focused on the worship and praise of her God Jehovah.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Erwin, her parents, Walter and Florence Ellis, two brothers Thaine and Ethan, a sister, Marlea Brabentz, a granddaughter, Caron Gruber, and a grandson and granddaughter in infancy. She is survived by two sisters, Imogene Kiel, Chandler, AZ, Rosie Carrillo, Phoenix, AZ. Daughter, Barbara (Bruce) Reigle, Brodhead. Sons, John (Judy) Gruber, Okabena, MN, Jeff (Colette) Gruber, Evansville, WI, Daniel (LuAnn) Gruber, Beloit, WI, Dean (Kathy) Gruber, Lakewood, WA. 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 1, 2023 at Kerch Aviation Museum, N2463 Airport Rd, Brodhead, WI. at 3:00 PM. Doors will open at 2:00 PM to visit with family and friends. The memorial service will also be available on a zoom link.