Jeanette M. Gruel

MADISON/WEST BEND-Jeanette Mary Gruel, age 81, formerly of West Bend, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on Feb. 3, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minn, the daughter of Edward and Frances (Stimac) Ryan. Jeanette grew up in Minneapolis, Minn. and graduated from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN with a Bachelor of Art degree in elementary education. She married Regis Gruel on Oct. 3, 1964 and was married to Regis till his passing in 2017. They had four children and raised their family in West Bend, Wis. Jeanette was a loving and warm person with a kind and generous nature. She was known for uplifting people with encouraging words and compliments. Jeanette made people feel listened to and loved. People were drawn to her and she had many dear friends. She had the gift of gab and could carry on a conversation with anyone from any walk of life. Jeanette had a zest for life and knew how to live fully in the moment. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; a cup of hot tea, a walk in the woods, an afternoon at the local art museum, and taking her husband out for a senior coffee and a country drive. Her love and enthusiasm for the simple joys of life was contagious to all those around her. She was an artist and created many beautiful paintings in her life. She had a flair for style and could wear a hat with panache. She loved nature and enjoyed hiking and spending time in the outdoors with family and friends. She had a great sense of humor and a beautiful smile and delightful laugh. Jeanette was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and her family adored her dearly. She had a vivacious spirit and a deep soulful core. Her faith was very important in her life and she was a steadfast and faithful servant of God throughout all her days. She was full of vital energy and was always the brightest light in any room. She touched many people and we are all so very grateful for the gift of her life and memory. Jeanette is survived by her children, Jim Gruel, Josie (Mark) Herson, Maria Gruel and Michael Gruel; grandchildren, Jess (Leo) Wolfe, Anna (Nanne) Sorvold, Michael Herson, Jack Ticali, and Stella Ticali; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Regis; and brothers, Richard, Jack and Jim Ryan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 6823 Wildwood Rd. West Bend, WI 53090. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420