Obituary

William John "Bill" Gruetzman, age 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 30, 2024, surrounded by family at The Kathy Hospice in West Bend. He was born at his grandparents' home in Fort Atkinson, WI, to Edward and Mary (nee Stradinger) Gruetzman. Bill was baptized into the Christian faith on October 5, 1935, at Eastside Lutheran Church in Madison. He lived a short time in Madison and then moved to Whitewater, where he attended elementary school. Bill confirmed his faith April 10, 1949, at St John's Lutheran Church in Cold Spring. He graduated May 28, 1953, from Whitewater High School and then enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard, serving for eight years. Bill married the love of his life, Karen (nee Fehling), on November 9, 1963, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Juneau, and God blessed their marriage with two daughters. Bill worked a variety of positions in the tool and die field until retiring in 1993. Bill and Karen have been faithful members of Peace Lutheran Church in Hartford for over a decade, splitting their time between Wisconsin and their winter home in Arizona.

Bill was known for his quick wit and sharp sense of humor. He enjoyed many interests and hobbies, including wood carving, making jewelry and solving puzzles. Most important to Bill was time spent with cherished family and friends and anyone else of whom he could tease and make sport!

Bill will never be forgotten by his wife of over 60 years, Karen; daughters, Gina (Joe) Rieder of Fond du Lac, Kim (Tim) Mueller of Hartford; grandchildren, Trent Rieder of Fond du Lac, Travis (Britt) Rieder of Milwaukee, Laura (Austin) Busler of La Crosse, and Luke (Amanda) Mueller of Wrightstown. He is further survived by two nieces, other relatives, and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Lucille Gruetzman.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church (1001 Center St. Hartford, WI 53027) with the Rev. Jeremy Husby presiding. Visitation will be at church on Saturday, June 8, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. A private family interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Peace Lutheran Church or The Kathy Hospice (3232 Pleasant Valley Rd, West Bend, WI 53095).

A special thank you to the caring and compassionate doctors and staff of Froedtert Milwaukee, Froedtert West Bend, and The Kathy Hospice.

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