Marilyn Marcia Grueber

Marilyn Marcia Grueber, 89, of Traverse City, passed away Sunday, March 23rd, at her home of nearly 70 years. She was born on her grandfather’s farm in Easton Township, Ionia County, to Wm. Henry and Beatrice (Rowley) Rathburn on September 18, 1935. She attended Goodwin Country School and Ionia High School, graduating in 1953. Marilyn attended Butterworth School of Nursing in Grand Rapids, becoming an RN in 1956. After moving to Traverse City in 1957, she worked at Munson Medical Center for 12 years; 10 of those years she served as head nurse in the recovery room. For the next 28 years, Marilyn worked in the OB/GYN offices of Drs. C. Haberlein and C.W. Wagener, and subsequently Drs. S. Johnson and D. Kurtz. While Marilyn officially retired from her 40-year nursing career in December 1996, she continued her caretaking role for her ill husband and mother until their deaths. Marilyn married Harold E. Grueber of Traverse City on July 27, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with three children. She was also baptized and confirmed at Trinity on March 20, 1960. Marilyn remained a faithful member of Trinity until her death, often serving as a Sunday morning greeter. She and Harold supported the ministry of Trinity Lutheran School in many ways over the years; one of the most notable was baking traditional German cookies - a task handed down from her mother-in-law soon after marrying into the Grueber family - for the school’s annual cookie event. In addition to her baking, Marilyn was a wonderful cook; her extended family fondly recalls meals served around the family table. Gardening was another of her favorite pastimes, and she delighted in arranging fresh floral displays throughout the seasons. Marilyn received her greatest joy from sharing her baked goods, homemade meals and bouquets with family, friends and neighbors. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold, 8-yr old son Brian, sisters Kareen Gasper and Connie Laux, and son-in-law Charles V. Duke, Jr. She is survived by son Kevin L. Grueber of Rome, GA (Susan Zeird); daughter Shelley M. Duke of Traverse City; grandson Adam G. Newall; great granddaughter Nora Newall; granddaughters Elisha L. Chamblee (Scot) and Jennifer E. Gonzales (Vincent); great grandson Dylan Holloway; sisters-in-law Dorothy Limoges and Harriet Grueber; brothers-in-law Fred Laux and James Gasper; numerous nieces and nephews; and long-time family friend George C. Comden. The family extends their sincere gratitude to the caring nurses and aides from Hospice of Michigan. Special thanks to Julie, Patty, Hannah and Courtney for their exceptional support during the last year. Marilyn’s family will receive visitors at Trinity Lutheran Church, Traverse City, on Saturday, May 24, at 10:00am. Rev. Michael Goers will officiate the service celebrating her life at 11:00am, with a luncheon to follow in Luther Hall. Cremation has taken place; Marilyn’s final resting place will be in Memorial Gardens, Traverse City. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran School or Hospice of Michigan. Arrangements are being made by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Traverse City.

Marilyn Marcia Grueber

September 18, 1935 - March 23, 2025