Rochelle

Doris Fae Gruben, 83, passed away Sunday July 14, 2024, at her rural Rochelle home. Doris was born November 18, 1940, to Anise Elizabeth (Curtis) and Albert Adam Bosecker in Rockford, Illinois. Much of her childhood was on the family farm in rural Kings, Illinois, followed by the family-run motel near the intersection of highways 64 and 51. Doris graduated from Rochelle Township High School and attended Rockford Business School before working in the office at Rochelle Township High School. Doris and Norman married on December 16, 1961, at the Kings Presbyterian Church.

Doris and Norman raised their three children on a grain and livestock farm in rural Kings. They were faith-filled and active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rochelle and Doris was active in 4-H leadership and several church ministries. Through her warmth and sincere caring for others she enriched the lives of all those she met. She enjoyed restoring antique furniture, creating beautiful quilts, and encouraging others with thousands of hand-crafted greeting cards. Following retirement from farming, Norman and Doris traveled to Europe and Australia and delighted in being active in the lives of their children and nine grandchildren. Doris was a devoted and loving wife to her husband Norman, working alongside him in all aspects of their farming operation and raising their family. She particularly enjoyed nurturing life, floral and fauna, especially baby animals from squirrels and raccoons to deer and ponies. She avidly cared for her family and the extended community through countless visits, meals, cards, and flowers. Doris shared an extra-special bond with her beloved twin, Delores.

In 2021 Doris was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was blessed with more healthy years following aggressive treatment. Doris passed away peacefully after several weeks of home hospice, surrounded by the care of her family. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband, Norman; sisters Marjorie Hayes, Delores (Robert) Reints, and Bernice (Don) Fitzsimmons; son Kreg Gruben (Wendy) of Edgerton, WI; daughter Lanette Schumacher (Tim) of Sheboygan, WI; son Kurt Gruben (Kathy) of Sheboygan, WI; grandchildren Peter Schumacher (Katelyn), Maggie Gruben, Karl Schumacher (Ashley), Lydia Gruben, Anna Gruben, Dane Schumacher, Naomi Gruben, Natalie Gruben, Hans Gruben (Hannah), and great-grandchild Clara Schumacher.

A visitation will be held 4−7 pm, Thursday, July 18th at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th Street, Rochelle. A memorial service will be held Friday, July 19th, at 11 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1415 10th Avenue, Rochelle.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider making a memorial donation to Serenity Hospice of Oregon, IL, or to St. Paul Lutheran School, Rochelle, IL. The family also invites you to share a message on Doris' memorial page: ungerhorner.com/obituary/doris-gruben.