Gruber, Jr., D.D.S., Dr. Joseph W. Age 79, of Yorkville, IL, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2014 at his home. He was born on March 11, 1935 in Chicago, IL, the son of Joseph W. and Leona (Perry) Gruber, Sr. Joseph was united in marriage on June 28, 1958 to the former Nancy Lowney and they spent the next 56 happy years together. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He served his country proudly as a dentist while stationed in the United States Air Force, and practiced dentistry in Yorkville for his entire career. For many years, Dr. Gruber attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Yorkville, IL with his family. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Gruber of Yorkville, IL; his children, Stephanie (Donald) Nelson of La Grange Park, IL, Dr. Joseph W. (Jennifer) Gruber III, D.D.S. of Yorkville, IL, and Cynthia Wills of Tarrytown, NY; his grandchildren, Andrew Nelson, Thomas Nelson, Matthew Gruber, Alexander Wills, John Gruber, Amelie Wills, and Cameron Wills; his sister, Judith Wondolowski of Hendersonville, NC; and his sister-in-law, Laurette Gruber of Riverside, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph W. and Leona Gruber, Sr. and his brother, Robert Gruber. Joe loved life. He enjoyed sports and was active until the end of his life, playing tennis and golf, and going for bike rides nearly every day. From the time Joe was young, he played both the clarinet and saxophone in various bands and orchestras, most recently in the Yorkville Community Band, performing in the summer concert series and marching in the annual Fourth of July parade. Joe took immense pleasure in reading everything from novels to the newspaper. He displayed this passion by serving on the Yorkville Public Library board and was instrumental in the construction of the new library. As a young person, Joe was an enthusiastic student and put himself through college and dental school by mowing lawns and playing jazz gigs. He understood the value of education and established a scholarship at Waubonsee Community College to help students in need. Joe also gave back by serving for years on the Kendall County Board of Health and rarely missed a day of work; he was happy in his job as a dentist in Yorkville and looked forward to seeing his patients. He also served on The Bank of Yorkville Board of Directors and was an active member of the Illinois Dental Society. More than anything, Joe never tired of travel and adventure with his wife, Nancy. His thirst for new experiences and culture took them around the world. He enjoyed skiing, sailing, and flying airplanes with family, neighbors, and friends. He loved being a father. His grandchildren made him proud. He had a lot of fun and he appreciated a good meal. The family would like to thank many kind and generous friends for their love and support during Joe's long, determined fight with cancer. Memorial services will be private. Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, (630)553-7611 or www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Oct. 1, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Gruber

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17 Entries

Brian Patterson

October 7, 2014

Very sad to hear of Doc Gruber's passing. I just want to echo all of Brad's sentiments . I had a lot a great memories spent with the Grubers from Adrian St (is that right ?) to Countryside. A lot of great discussions and laughs at the dinner table, a lot of great times at the BBQs, etc...thanks for all the memories.

Rita Schwarz

October 3, 2014

Nancy, You and your family have our sympathy--Bob and I will be praying for you. Love, Rita and Bob Schwarz

October 3, 2014

I have fond memories of Joe both as a classmate and a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I have made a contribution to the Chicago Dental Society Foundation in Joe's memory
Al Medvin Walnut Creek, Ca.

October 3, 2014

I have fond memories of Joe both as a classmate and a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I made a contribution in Joe's memory to the Chicago Dental Society Foundation
Al Medvin, Walnut Creek,Ca.

Bob & Pat Heth

October 3, 2014

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.

Kent Family

October 2, 2014

Keeping the Gruber family in our thoughts during this time of loss. I know from Cynthia, that Joe fought a long hard battle. It must have been so difficult to say goodbye. Hoping that you find strength and comfort from a life well lived.
Ronnie, Tobin, Liam and TJ

Cynthia Wills

October 2, 2014

Thanks to all for remembering our wonderful father. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Dr. Joseph W. Gruber, Jr. at the University of Chicago Medicine. Checks may be made payable to the "University of Chicago Medicine" and sent to the following address: University of Chicago Gift and Record Service, Dr. Joseph W. Gruber Memorial, 5235 S. Harper Court, Chicago, IL 60615. Or, gift online at http://supportucmc.uchicago.edu/ Click on "Make a Gift" in "Special Instructions" window and enter Dr. Joseph W. Gruber Memorial--Kline research.

Diamond Debbi

October 2, 2014

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Audrey Wirtz

October 2, 2014

My prayers are with your family. I have fond memories of that gentleman "JOE". Nancy you will be in my prayers.

October 2, 2014

Our deepest sympathy to Nancy and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
JoAnn and Ray Kunkel

October 1, 2014

Dear Gruber Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight. Your family always was very generous and kind to me when I was growing up. In fact, your family was like a second family to me during the difficult teenage years. I will never forget all good times and laughs we had at the Gruber household. Dr. Joe was always the "center" of those great memories. I will never forget the tennis,sailing,bbq's,the Gruber 4th of July parties, and yes,.. eating. Our mutual joy and sport. Doc Gruber always had a smile on his face and it was clear that he had a true "zest for life". That is what I will always remember and embrace about Doc Gruber.

Take care, and I hope to see you all soon some day,

Brad

Laura Allen

October 1, 2014

Deepest sympathy to the Gruber family ,
So sorry for your loss of such a wonderful man.He will be deeply missed but you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. May God, family and friends help you through this difficult time.You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Laura Allen

Lynn Shillington-Dahle

October 1, 2014

To the entire Gruber clan,

I know it is a tough time now. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have so many fond memories of Doctor Joe, as I used to call him as a child. I am thankful that he was such a good friend to my father, even if they would come home wounded from either tennis, or just KDR gatherings. My kids have fond memories of your father as well. He was such a kind soul. I know he fought a long battle like a trooper. I know my dad is smiling and welcoming him with open arms. Perhaps they are toasting each other, or maybe playing a game of tennis. Please try to reflect on his memories with a smile on your faces. You all had such an awesome, dad, grandfather, and Nancy an amazing husband. I still remember going to Yorkville for the 4th of july as a child. It is amazing that through the KDR house one feels like they have extended families.

Much love, hugs, and strength to get you through this first year is toughest. Just know he is probably giving my dad a run.

Love always,

Lynn

October 1, 2014

Nancy, I have such fond memories of Joe and yourself from the Aurora Tennis Club. I remember he was so genuine, gentle, and constantly smiling. I knew he enjoyed his life and admired you as a great couple. May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time. Sincerely, Carlene McWilliams.

October 1, 2014

Joe, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your Dad was an inspiration to all he came into contact with.

Marla & Brad Perry

October 1, 2014

Bob and I are sorry for your families loss. Dr. Gruber will be missed. Always remember the good times you had with him. Love Dede and Bob Wirtz

October 1, 2014

We were patients of Dr. Gruber for many years. He was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Cary and Denise Stevenson Big Rock, IL

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results