Jacqueline Gruber

Jacqueline Gruber, 81, passed away at 7:54 pm Friday, September 15, 2023, in Stoughton, WI, with her family at her bedside. 

She was born in South Bend on November 14, 1941, to Howard and Dolores (Bourdon) Snyder.  They preceded her in death, along with a sister, Sharon Vanderheyden, and a brother, Jim Snyder.  Jackie graduated from Central High School in 1960.  On September 7, 1964, she married James Gruber.  He survives along with a daughter, Jill (Nick) McHone; four sons, James (Diane) Gruber, Joseph (Kate) Gruber, Jay (Theresa) Gruber, and Jeff (Jeannie) Gruber; 17 grandchildren; a brother, Fred Snyder and two sisters-in-law Cathy Gruber and Sharlene Snyder.

Along with motherhood, Jackie enjoyed a wide-reaching circle of friends.  She cherished going to her craft club, where her closest friends of over 50 years would gather regularly.  Although called a “craft club,” this group shared laughter, love, and support with some crafting.  Jackie could befriend a stranger anywhere and within seconds.   She was a successful realtor (20 years), an artist (Jackie's Creations), an entrepreneur (Longaberger Baskets), and a community volunteer (YMCA, St. Mary’s the Assumption, St. Vincent's DePaul's, St. Adalbert's Homeless Shelter).

Most important to Jackie was her family.   She logged thousands of miles transporting her kids to events and spent countless hours on bleachers.  Her grandchildren were just as important, starting a new chapter of travel miles and bleacher time.

She was a generous woman in word and deed.   She and Jim loved to laugh and passed along the ability to find humor and hope even in the most challenging times.  She will be missed, but her spirit will live on in all who loved her.

Viewing will occur from 4 pm-8 pm on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue, where a rosary will be recited at 4:30 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday in Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church.  A burial will follow at the Crumstown Cemetery.   If your family would like to forego sending flowers, donations can be made to Home Again Assisted Living, 308 England Street, Cambridge, WI  53523

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