Wayne O. Gruber

Wayne O. Gruber of Eustis, Nebraska passed away May 14, 2017 at Elwood, Nebraska at the age of 88. Wayne was born February 20, 1929 at Eustis, Nebraska to Gene and Cora (Ebele) Gruber. He graduated from Eustis High School. Wayne served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. He married Verna Mae Rupe on March 16, 1957. The couple farmed and ranched near Eustis. Wayne was a faithful and devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church where he served on various committees. He enjoyed singing in the church choir and for weddings. Wayne and Verna loved spending time at the lake, traveling and playing cards. Wayne was an avid Husker Football Fan, a member of the American Legion and Lions Club. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Mitch Gruber. Survivors include his wife, Verna of Eustis; daughters, Mitzi Gifford of Kearney and Micki (Jeff) Savage of Edmond, OK; grandchildren, Conan Gifford of Kearney, Tessa (Adam) Barney of Omaha, Vanessa Gifford of Omaha, Matthew (Nicole) Savage of Castle Rock, CO, Jennifer Savage of Edmond, OK, Landon Savage of Tulsa, OK and Colby (Michael) Kennemer of Edmond, OK; 5 great grandchildren; sisters, Glennis (Richard) Thies of Elm Creek and Barbara (Dick) Hendry of Melbourne, FL; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Eustis with Kathy Gundell PMA officiating. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow at East Cemetery, Eustis. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so on Wednesday from 1 to 5 at Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.