Alexander Gruetzmacher

We are devastated to announce the loss of our son, grandson, great grandson, and nephew, Alexander Maxwell Gruetzmacher, 12, of Oshkosh, WI. and Crystal Lake, IL. Alex passed away unexpectedly on December 16th, 2023. Alex was born in Arlington Heights, IL. to Ashley and Austin on May 24th, 2011. Alex is survived by his mother Ashley Salcedo (stepfather Chris) and his father Austin Gruetzmacher (stepmother Heather). Alex will always be remembered by his siblings Aspen, Ava, Jade, and Hudson. Alex will forever be in the hearts of his extended family including his great grandparents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Alex loved to play and spend time with his siblings, regardless of if it was playing with Barbies, Play-Doh or even the play kitchen, he just enjoyed spending time with them. He enjoyed his "me time" as well and would lose himself and tune out everyone playing video games or get creative building his Lego sets. He loved animals of all kinds, especially sharks. He loved to learn about sharks whether he was watching a program on TV or reading a book about them, he would then share his knowledge with all of us. As most children do Alex often spoke about what he wanted to be when he grew up, he wanted to be a Marine Biologist because of his love of sharks and other marine life. Alex loved to give hugs, his hugs were so tight and genuine, you never wanted to let go. He loved to cuddle and sit and watch TV, honestly with anyone he could, he especially loved it if one of his dogs was sitting there too.

Our family was not expecting the loss of Alex or for his life to be cut so short so soon. We are devastated by this loss and will feel the absence of Alex forever. He was so loving, compassionate, and just wanted everyone to be happy. Ashley and Austin have decided to donate Alex's organs so that others may live on. They take solace in the fact that this tragedy can have some good and that other families may not have to suffer the pain that they are going through. May Alex, our little angel, forever fly high. We love you!