Doug C. Gruber

Douglas Cy Gruber, age 83 of Cozad, passed away March 10, 2017 at Gothenburg, Nebraska surrounded by his family. Doug was born on February 8,1934 to Otto and Lois (Jamison) Gruber on the family farm south of Cozad in Dawson County Nebraska. Doug attended rural school at District 66 and graduated from Cozad High School. Doug was an accomplished pianist and had a beautiful tenor voice, competing in many vocal competitions. After high school, Doug attended the University of Nebraska, was a member of the Marching Band and the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. On December 21, 1952 Doug married Harla Jean Kreitz of Lexington. After completing his schooling in Lincoln, Doug and Harla returned to the family farm to make their home and raise their children, Marsha and Marla. Doug was active in the community serving on the school board, church board, NRD committee, and was a member of the church choir. He also sang for many weddings, including both his daughters’ weddings, and the funerals of many. Doug was a charter member of the BPO Elks Lodge #2250 in Cozad and played the organ for their ceremonies. Doug and Harla enjoyed traveling all over the United States and abroad. Traveling was their hobby, but they were always ready to come home to Nebraska. In their later years they spent many months at their home at Johnson Lake where they entertained family and friends. Doug could be found almost daily on the road to Elwood to check on his cows! Doug was preceded in passing by his wife of 58 years, Harla; his parents, Otto and Lou; infant brother; son-in-law, Mike Feik; many sisters and brothers - in - law; cousins and life long friends. Left to carry on his legacy are his daughters, Marsha Feik of Cozad and Marla Gruber of Johnson Lake; grandchildren, Matt (Alison) Feik of Cozad, Marcy Feik (Chad Phaby) of Cozad, D.J O’Donnell of Ashburn, VA, and Cody O’Donnell (Danielle Locke) of Leesburg, VA; great grandchildren, Madison Navarette, Bryant and Austin Feik, and Avery O’Donnell; He was also Grandpa Doug to Meghan, Cadence, and Miranda Phaby. Also left to mourn his passing are his faithful and loyal ranch manager Leroy (Kristine) Wendland, sister-in-laws, Marilyn Sutherland of CA, Janet Bowman of IA, and Jan Kreitz of IN, along with many nephews and nieces and their families. Doug’s cousins were like brothers and sisters on the Gruber side, and he will be missed by many. Services will be Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Cozad with Pastor Terry Tomlinson officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery south of Cozad. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1 to 8 with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 at Berryman Funeral Home.