John S. Gruber Jr.

John S. Gruber Jr, 85, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Memorial Hospital.   

Born May 14, 1937 in South Bend, Indiana to John and Anne (Steinhofer) Gruber, who preceded him in death. Also preceded by his brother Robert Gruber.

He married Nancy L. Leavens on July 4, 1957 at St. Bavo parish, Mishawaka, Indiana who preceded him in death on January 3, 2018.

John is survived by his brother James (Jackie) Gruber, sister-in-law Cathy Gruber, 2 daughters Sue (Gary) Mason of South Bend and Judy Gruber of Indianapolis, 2 sons John Gruber and Michael (Regena) Gruber both of South Bend, 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

He was a life-long member of Our Lady of Hungary Church and attended OLH grade school. John graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1955 in South Bend where he made lasting friendships. While dating Nancy, the couple attended many formal dances where they danced the night away, spinning, polkaing, sashaying and hopping across the dance floor to every kind of music.

John became a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Holy Name Society and volunteered at multiple activities at OLH. He co-chaired the first annual dinner dance with wife Nancy. Each year they prepared for weeks to entertain a sold-out crowd. The evenings showcased historical events, a country or a Broadway show. John cherished the lasting friendships which blossomed during the hours of practice and planning that went into these productions.

Gruber’s Supermarket was located in a southwest neighborhood of South Bend. The store was started by his immigrant grandfather, in the early 1900s. It was taken over by John’s father and eventually John and his brothers, who grew the family business. The store became a favorite destination for local shoppers especially on holidays, to purchase “Gruber’s sausage”. When John wasn’t working in the office, he could be found with his pencil behind his ear talking with customers. John learned customer service from his parents and grandparents. The store was a member of the Rum Village Businessman Association in the 50’s and 60’s and helped to promote and improve the community.

John owned and operated Canfield Pop Distributing in South Bend and later co-founded Criss Cross Marketing. He worked for Michiana Insulation for many years prior to retirement. His attention to detail and customer approach was notable. John could be found donning his yellow polo with the Michiana Insulation logo well into retirement.

John and Nancy made incredible memories over their 60 years together. A few destinations included St. Kits, Jamaica, Bahamas and Rome. In 1972 John, Nancy and her mother Irene, visited Belgium to attend a 60th wedding anniversary of Nancy‘s grandparents. During the 1970’s, John and Nancy attended Notre Dame football games and tailgates. They also traveled to away games across the country and a few bowl games, like the 1978 Cotton Bowl.

John could often be found fixing and building things at work and home. In 1974 he broke ground on the Ice Trail home which he had a large hand in building. He enjoyed driving his Oliver or Kubota tractor to cut acres of grass, dig trenches, move trees, rocks or dirt.  His projects were not only at home but he helped his children too. He installed fences, fixed plumbing, added insulation, replaced windows, repaired appliances, built a barn and retaining walls.

For multiple years, John wintered in Bradenton, Florida with Nancy where they were Eucharistic ministers at St. Joseph Parish. John chaired the Pennies for Babies program, benefiting local pregnancy crisis centers there. They made good friends and enjoyed community potlucks and calling bingo.

For over 20 years, John would return from Florida in time for the Medjugorje conference where he and Nancy volunteered assisting Queen of Peace Ministries. John put his love for organizing to work and joyfully coordinated the Eucharistic ministers for the masses that weekend. John was also a COR parent with Nancy at retreats for high schoolers. During a series of three separate weekends in 1980-81 (COR 41-42-43), they became parents for many students who were learning how to care for others through skits, prayer and fun. COR stands for Christ in Others Retreat.

John was a member of the Serra Club of South Bend which fosters and promotes vocations to the priesthood in the Catholic Church and supports seminarians in the diocese. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus #5521 for 65 years.  

John lived his life as a faithful servant who fully participated in his Catholic faith both through acts and personal prayer. He often attended mass during the week and enjoyed many prayerful retreats. John made the Men’s Cursillo #11 in 1965, he attended Barth-Hamilton Retreats in St. Meinrad, IN, and he experienced a Marian pilgrimage to Medjugorje. John had a deep devotion to Mary and for praying the rosary. He and Nancy also met Pope Benedict XVI in Rome when they attended a ceremony for Archbishop Michael Blume.

John was beloved by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, often making time to attend their sporting events, dance and band recitals and showing a loving vested interest in all their activities. He could be found during holidays gathering the presents, hiding hundreds of Easter Eggs, cutting the ham with his electric knife, sneaking sugar cookies on baking day, dozing at the table while doing paperwork, wearing his signature yellow polo and putting a new log on the fire. He shared a special bond with his grandchildren and great grandchildren that will leave lasting memories.

John didn’t hesitate to help those in need. His deeds were subtle and quiet at times, but greatly appreciated. The family wants to relay John’s prayer expressed the day before he passed. “Jesus, thank everyone who helped me.”

Family and friends may call from 3p-7p Sunday May 14 in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue where a rosary will be recited at 4:30 pm. Visitation will also take place in the church from 10:00 am until mass on Monday. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00am Monday, May 15, 2023 in Our Lady of Hungary Church. Cremation and burial will occur on May 16th, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Serra Club of South Bend, 52055 Cloverleaf Dr. East, South Bend, IN 46637 or Knights of Columbus #5521, 61533 Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN 46614 or Our Lady of Hungary Church, 731 W. Calvert, South Bend, IN 46613.

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