Leonard Gruber Jr.

Leonard L. Gruber Jr., age 95 of Faribault, MN passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at Faribault Senior Living following an extended illness

Leonard Lawrence, the son of Leonard Sr. and Margaret (James) Gruber was born on October 6, 1925 in Faribault.  He attended country school in Forest Township and in 1945 enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged 1n 1947.  While serving in the Army Len began purchasing the family farm.  When he returned he worked any job he could find and in 1949 started working at NSP in Faribault building roads.  In 1966 he met the love of his life, Muriel Brown and they were united in marriage on October 15, 1966 in St. Paul, MN.  They lived in St. Paul and Len began working at 3M and was a coating operator for 23 years.  In 1989 Len was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis.  Over the years Len was involved as a Deacon at St. Therese’s in St. Paul, with the Indian Ministries at the Blessed Kateri Community in Minneapolis and at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Northfield, MN.  Len and Muriel were very involved in different church activities and spent many years involved with Cursillo Retreats.  Len was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.  In 1996 they moved back to the farm in Forest Township and Len enjoyed gardening and his flowers.  He loved to be outdoors.  In 2014 they moved to Faribault Senior Living.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Muriel Gruber of Faribault; by two sons, William Gruber of St. Paul, MN and Steven (Michelle) Gruber of Faribault; by two grandchildren, Jordyn Keprios, Chloe Keprios; by his great granddaughter, Lucille Rose Meier and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Sr. and Margaret; two sisters, Anne E. Gruber and Josephine (Eugene) Benzick; and by his brother, Harry (Mary Ann) Gruber Sr.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault.  For those unable to attend, you may watch the livestream of the service through a link on Leonard’s obituary page at www.ParkerKohlFuneralHome.com.  Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Faribault with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association.

Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.