Martha Gruber

Martha "Marty" E. (Harlson) Gruber, 86, gained her wings to be with the first person to call her mom and her beloved husband "Freck" on October 28, 2024 at the WI Veterans Home, Chippewa Falls, with her youngest daughter by her side.

She was born on October 26, 1938 in Mondovi, Buffalo Co. to Orien and Norma (Schultz) Harlson. Martha grew up in Durand, WI, helping care for her four younger siblings. She graduated from Durand High School in 1957 and received the DAR award. Marty worked at Chippewa Valley Hospital, Durand, WI, in the maternity ward for a few years as a candy striper.

On July 21, 1958 Martha married Clarence Gruber at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Durand, WI. She continued working until she had her first child. Five years later and four more children, they moved to Altoona, WI. Marty and Clarence purchased Gruber Oil Co. and moved to Elk Mound, WI one and a half years later. She had her sixth child one year later and was a very busy mother. She moved into her dream home in 1970. Marty loved caring for her children in that home for many years. She always had a hot meal on the table every night at 6:00 pm sharp.

Marty returned to work as her youngest child was finishing high school. She worked for years as a receptionist at various chiropractic offices which include Dykema Chiropractic, Anderson Chiropractic in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls Chiropractic.

Marty enjoyed bowling (175 avg.), golfing, gardening, baking, ceramics, cross stitch, handmade Christmas ornaments, building wooden doll houses and cabins for her grandchildren, sewing clothing for her children, and ginseng hunting with Clarence. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren with a bright smile and giving the best hugs. When Marty moved into the nursing home, she was quite the social butterfly. She enjoyed many activities but her favorite was listening to the musicians and playing bingo. Marty loved buying items for her family using her "Bingo Bucks". You gave us everything and now we carry your love in our hearts, forever grateful for the life you gave us.

Marty is survived by her children, Dan (Jeannine) Gruber of Hillsdale, Dawne Hanson and Dewey Gruber, both of Trego, Diana Gruber of Boyd, and Darla Gruber of Hallie; her brother, Fred Harlson; her in-laws, Larry (Rita) Gruber, Leona Gruber and Marie Gruber; 14 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clarence, daughter Donna Henrikson, son-in-law Dan Henrikson, brothers Roger and Larry, and sisters Maxine, Melva, Winnifred, Betty and many other relatives and friends. Marty also recently lost her sister-in-law Nolene Harlson whom was a great friend and support to Marty for many years.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Pkwy., Altoona from 3:00pm until 6:00pm. Private inurnment will take place at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona, is serving the family. Online condolences may be shared to www.cremationsociety-wi.com.