Norbert J. Gruba

Norbert J. Gruba, age 87, of Watertown, SD, passed away Monday, September 9, 2024, at Edgewood  Memory Care in Watertown, SD. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown, SD. Father Shaun Haggerty will be the celebrant. Music will be provided by Danielle Holmquist-Holida as Organist and the IC Funeral Choir as song leaders.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immaculate Conception School in memory of Norbert.

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a Scripture Wake Service to follow, and prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Watertown, SD.  Military graveside honors will be conducted by Codington County Post #17 of the American Legion, Watertown, and the Military Funeral Honors Team of the SD Army National Guard.  Active pallbearers will be Tim Meland, Steve Meland, Terry Meland, AJ Meland, Jeremy German, and Jon Danielson.

Norbert was born on July 25, 1937, in Webster, SD, to Frank R. and Helen (Pekron) Gruba.  He attended school in Grenville, SD.  Norbert lost his father at a young age, so he chose to stay on the family farm until 1983. He then moved to Watertown, SD, and worked at Superior Homes.  Norbert served in the South Dakota Army National Guard serving for 25 years.  

On June 20, 1997, he married Helen Benthin in Watertown.  Norbert enjoyed traveling with Helen on bus trips, dancing, pitching horse shoes, playing pinochle, gardening and reading.

He was a member of the IC Catholic Church where he and Helen participated in the choir and many other activities of the church.  He has resided at Edgewood since last July, where he enjoyed the staff and his time there.

Norbert is survived by his wife, Helen, of Watertown; two brothers, Jim (Shirley) Gruba, Duluth, MN, Kenny Gruba, Grenville, SD; four sisters, Joanne (Bob) Meland, Sisseton, SD, Lucille (Garry) Smith, Box Elder, SD, Maxine (Henry) German, Watertown, SD, Diane Gruba, Watertown, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen Gruba; one sister, Janis Martinson; one infant brother; one brother, Francis Gruba and nephew, Paul German.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant, Arlington, Lake Preston and Oldham.

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