Jeannie Gruner

Jeannie Gruner, 87, of Rockford passed away peacefully Thursday, March 31, 2016. Born October 22, 1928, in Springfield, the daughter of William L. and Mae O. (Jackson) Nicholas. Graduated from Harlem High School, Class of 1946. Married Ray Gruner, Jr., on December 7, 1946, in Rockford. Employed by K-Mart for 20 years. She was a longtime ‘pink lady’ volunteer at SwedishAmerican Hospital in the 60’s and 70’s. Jeannie enjoyed the company of many friends her entire life, including her Harlem High School group who faithfully picked her up so she could continue to enjoy their luncheons (70 years after graduating together!) and her Lynnwood Street friends who did the same to include her in their breakfasts. For decades, she enjoyed the company of the “finance committee” girls and played in two card clubs. Jeannie enjoyed three wonderful years at Heritage Woods. Survivors include son, Mark Gruner; daughter, Jill (Mark) Grove; grandchildren, Andrew (Natasha) Gruner, Michelle (Chet) Gruner-Neace, Rachel, Patrick and Victoria Grove; great-grandchildren, Maiea Franklin, Mathais Gruner, Anastasia Young and Isabella Neace; brother, Gerald “Bud” (Dorothy) Nicholas; several nieces and nephews; dear friends, Georgine Stanley and Ellie Roland. Predeceased by her husband; daughter-in-law, Diane Gruner; brother, Wayne Nicholas; sister, Maxine Wright; special niece, Chris Rippentrop; dear friend, Nancy Smith. Special thanks to the staff at Nelson-Debes Hospice Wing.

Service at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 4, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to service time. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.