Gary William Gruver

Mr. Gary William Gruver, 74, of Evans, Georgia, passed away on December 17, 2021 after a long illness. He was born on June 18, 1947 in Kankakee, Illinois to Harry William and Velma (Green) Gruver. Gary married the former Suzanne Fortier on December 27, 1990 in Kankakee.
He was a 1965 graduate of Kankakee Senior High School and went on to attend the University of Illinois for engineering. He went to work in the meat packing business and in 1996, he retired after 27 years of service. He traveled to and lived several places for the industry. Before settling in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. Gary enjoyed Chicago Bears football but followed the Bengals also. He was an active member of the Hamilton Vineyard Church. In his retirement, he helped run the food pantry and homeless shelter. In 2002 he took on the responsibility of raising 4 of his grandchildren. He loved watching old westerns, drinking diet Cherry Coke and playing cards.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Suzanne, of Evans, Georgia, a son, Jason Gruver (Nicki) of Trenton, Michigan, a daughter, Tammy Gruver of Indiana, his grandchildren, Samantha Gruver, Robert Gruver, Alyssa Gruver, Ryan Gruver, Christopher Gruver and Stella Gruver, all of Ohio, and Samuel Brzezicki and Lydia Brzezicki, of Michigan. He is also survived by his step children, Denise Duggins Bossong (Travis) and Dean Duggins, as well as his step grandchildren, David Harris, Monica Harris and Matthew Harris of Bourbonnais, Illinois, Alexandria Duggins of Decatur, Illinois, and Lucas Duggins of Jacksonville, Illinois. He also has many cousins in the Kankakee area.
Preceding him in death are his parents, his sister, Janet Gruver Shields, a daughter, Wendy Brzezicki, and a step great granddaughter, Winona June Harris.
A Memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 in the Chapel of Platts Funeral Home, Belair Road with Rev. Dr. J. Andrew Menger officiating. There will also be a Celebration of Life held in Illinois at a later date.
If so desired, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org or to the charity of one’s choice.
Please sign the guestbook and send condolences at www.plattsfuneralhome.com.