Kathleen A. Gruber

Kathleen “Katy” Annette Gruber, 85, of Balsam Lake Township, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Golden Age Manor in Amery, with her loving children by her side. Katy was born on August 11, 1940, in Amery, Wisconsin, the daughter of Evelyn (Erickson) and Alvin Swanson.

Katy was raised on a farm in Balsam Lake Township, where she learned about work ethics and the importance of family. Katy married the boy next door, Donald Gurber, on November 28, 1957. Together, they raised their four children. Katy worked as a waitress, seamstress, and horticulturist. She enjoyed many things, but most of all, she enjoyed family get-togethers.

Katy is survived by her children, Tammy (Dwayne) Wassberg of Amery, Donna Gruber of South St. Paul, MN, Kim Gruber of Amery, and Doug Gruber (Michelle Mitchell) of Milltown, WI, nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and good friends. She was preceded in death by, her parents, Evelyn and Alvin, her husband, Donald, and her siblings, Elaine Freeman, Marion Turner, and Delmer Swanson.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Father Chandra Ery officiating. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. She will be laid to rest at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Centuria, following the service. Please join the family for a luncheon and fellowship back at the church following the cemetery service.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with Katy’s final arrangements.