1925
2010
Robert Walter "Bob" Gruel, 84, of Great Falls, a Smith River area rancher and WWII Army veteran, died of pancreatic cancer Monday, March 29, 2010, at his home.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home. His funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 1, 2010, at First United Methodist Church. A private family burial will take place in the Gruel Family Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
Survivors include his wife, Elsie Gruel; daughters, Robin Jean (Chuck) Niswanger and Gail Arleen (Paul) Wages; son, Steven George (Monica Fuller) Gruel; one "adopted son", nephew, David Calvin (Linda Toivonen) Graft; sister, Laurel Deane Holman all of Great Falls; and six grandchildren, Kingston Stark, Ryan, Brodie and Kirbie Wages and Coulter and Clay Gruel. He was preceded in death by his son, Wesley (Kathi Hill) Gruel in 1982.
Robert Walter Gruel was born August 15, 1915, in Great Falls to Walter W. and Sylvia E. (Smith) Gruel. He attended schools in Portage and Great Falls, graduating in 1943.
Bob lived and worked on the family farm north of Portage until he was drafted at age 20. He served 18 months, 12 of which were in Hawaii.
He married Edith Elsie Kneeland in 1953 and purchased the Smith River ranch that same year.
Bob's life passion and work was the farm and ranch, always trying to improve production and product. He never considered himself a "self-made" man but one who was blessed to have good family and friends who helped make his dreams possible. He always felt family was the best "crew."
Bob enjoyed ranch work and never gave up his job as night man for the heifers, salting the cattle, and fencing.
He loved the camaraderie of hunting and the solitude of fishing, always bringing home quarry and catch.
They opened their home to many children over the years, hoping to inspire the ranch work ethic and an honest life.
Memorials are suggested to Peace Hospice.
Condolences may be posted online at www.chapelofchimesfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 7, 2010
joan rOCKWELL
Elsie, Gail & Family,
We've just learned of Bob's death and want you to know how very sorry we are..Bob was a "REAL" cowboy.. We have such good memories of you both and will always remember what a special time we had at the ranch with your family... You will be in our prayers in the weeks and months to come..
God BLess your family... Richard and Joan Rockwell
April 5, 2010
Anitra Hall
Dear Elsie and Family,
My father, Bill Hall, used to spray for you on your ranch many years ago. As a child I had the pleasure of accompanying him to your ranch. I remember you and Bob fondly. On behalf of my father and myself, I wish to extend my sympathy for your loss. Bob was a great man and my father considered him a good friend. I hold you all in my prayers that God will comfort you during this time of great loss.
With sympathy,
Anitra Hall
April 5, 2010
Calvary Chapel of Great Falls
Dear Elsie and Family,
We send our sincere condolences upon Bob's passing and are praying for your comfort as well. His shining example of love and honorable work ethic are of great personal credit to him and will remain as a positive influence on all of the lives he touched. May your grieving hearts find their true solace in the love and compassion of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
April 1, 2010
Jim Rose
Elsie and family,
I was sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I always enjoyed my time at your place when we were growing up. I still have vivid memories of Bob heeling calves during branding, and him at the hunting cabin at Ironsides. I know he will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jim Rose and family
April 1, 2010
Norma (Wages) DuFrenne
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
April 1, 2010
Dan Flanagan
Elsie and family, I would like to offer my family's condolences on behalf of my mom Mary Flsnagan, your family will be in all of our prayers,and thoughts.At this time and in the future.
The Flanagan Family
April 1, 2010
i agree with the thoughts posted here.
i am one of the kids that the gruel family was benevolent enough to not only take in, but to teach morals and values.
i am to this day grateful to my old neighbors and am a better person for having known bob as well as all..
david meer
March 31, 2010
NAPA
Dear Gruel and Graft family all the Napa employees would like to give our condolences we are very sorry for your loss.
March 31, 2010
Dave Adams
Elsie, Steve, Robin and Gail; The Adams family expresses it condolences at the passing of Bob. He was a true man of ethics, humor and feelings for his family and friends. We will miss him.
Dave and Mary Ellen Adams
March 31, 2010
Dear Elsie and Family. Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Bob. We will miss him and his stories of the family.
Sincerely, Gary and Dea Gruel, Buckeye, Arizona.
March 31, 2010
John Strandell
Elsie and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Bob was a great person and he will be missed,
John and Shary Strandell
March 31, 2010
Ruth & Jeff Mortag and Family
Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss and are thinking of you all.
March 31, 2010
Dear Elsie, We were so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We really cherish the times he helped with our woman's retreat on your ranch. He always welcomed everyone with open arms and made us feel good. We appreciate him and you sharing what God created and what he helped to preserve. May you cherish the great times that you had together as a family as we have as friends. You are in our prayers. Cherish the memories. David and Georgia Rushton Nephi, Utah
March 31, 2010
Greg Stott
Elsie,
Our condolences to you and your family. Bob was a great person and we feel for your loss.
Greg & Sherry Stott
March 31, 2010
Greg McQuire
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 31, 2010
Dear Elsie , Steven , Monica and all of your family. Please know are dearest thoughts and prayers are to all of you. Bob was truly a special man and although we were only able to spend a few precious moments with him he blessed our lives. With love
Steven and Lisa Messerschmidt & Family
March 31, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Gruel family. I will always remember the kindness shown to me when I first moved to Great Falls. Riding, gathering and branding in the spring on the ranch. I will miss Bob. Amy Robbins
March 31, 2010
Terry Salo
Elsie and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob was a great guy and I always enjoyed visiting with him whenever our paths crossed.
March 31, 2010
Dear Gruel family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Love, Jim and Chris Carroll.
March 31, 2010
Robin. I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing. What a gift he was to all that had the chance to meet him. He will be greatly missed. To you and your family, please find comfort in our prayers. We'll be thinking of you. Reed Carlson
March 31, 2010
Sandy Pepos
Elsie and family~ You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Matt, Jr., Sandy, Mathias and Karolina Pepos
March 31, 2010
Kathy James
I was very sorry to learn of your husband and dad's death. You're in my prayers.
Kathy Webster James
March 31, 2010
Elsie, I am writing my condolences on behalf of my parents Ralph and Lila Day. Your name was mentioned over the years and I know that they would like you to know that they cared...Stacy Day Griessmer
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
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