Earl Gruis

Earl Dean Gruis was born on August 7, 1951 to Paul and Myrtle (Petersen) Gruis in Pipestone, Minnesota. He attended Pipestone High School, and graduated in 1969. He then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota where he attended Dunwoody Institute of Technology for welding. While living in Minneapolis, he met Lynda Sue Hugtveit and the two were married on December 14, 1974. Earl spent the majority of his working years as a welder until 2005 when he started working as an inspector for the State of Minnesota. He retired on January 2, 2019. Earl died suddenly as a result of an automobile accident on Monday, January 14, 2019 at the age of 67 years, five months, and seven days.

Earl enjoyed riding his motorcycles, working with stained glass, and spending time with his friends and family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his three grandsons and his dog, Ike. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Holland, Minnesota.

Earl and Lynda were married over 40 years and were best friends. Some of their best moments were spent together with their friends and family in Earl's garage.

Earl is lovingly remembered by his two children, Joe (Sam) Gruis of Faribault, Minnesota, and Jessie Gruis of Bloomington, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Mason, Finny, and William; three sisters, Betty (Pete) Severeid of Pipestone, Barbara (Tim) Strickland of Springfield, Georgia, and Marge (Merle) Sovereign of Cresco, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lynda; and his parents.