Robert A. Jr. Gruesen

Robert A. Gruesen, Jr., M.D., age 55, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 15, 2015 at home. The son of the late Dr. Robert Gruesen, Sr. and Carol LaLuzerne, Bob was born April 15, 1959 in Madison, WI. After graduating from Abbot Pennings High School in De Pere, Bob earned his Bachelor of Science Degree, Cum Laude, in 1981 from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. He was a member of the Phi Sigma Biologic Honor Society for Academic Achievement. Bob graduated from Creighton University Medical School in 1985 and completed his residency in General Surgery at the Marshfield Clinic. Bob began his medical practice in Escanaba, MI. He left to attend Rush University in Chicago, IL where he was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He went on to practice in Rhinelander, WI and then accepted a position in General Surgery at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Bob was known as a great surgeon with an excellent bedside manner. Along the way, he wrote medical articles, presented seminars, and held leadership positions. He was a Diplomat to the American Board of Surgery. After moving to Green Bay, Bob was an active volunteer at St. John’s Homeless Shelter. He was loved by the guests at St. John’s, compassionately caring for their needs, serving food, washing dishes, scrubbing bathrooms, and taking out the garbage. “I do whatever is needed”, said Bob. “Through no fault of their own, life turns the wrong way and they are out of a home. It feels good to come here and lend some of my time.” These works of mercy reflect Bob’s deep faith. He had a great devotion to the Divine Mercy. Bob enjoyed downhill skiing, kayaking, scuba diving, competitive swimming, football, ice fishing, hunting, boating, being outdoors, and his dog Sam. He loved his family dearly. Bobby is survived by his mother, Carol (Rod) LaLazurne; brothers, Steven and Michael; sisters, Pamela (George) Stanley, Anne-Marie (Todd) DeVillers, Maria Gruesen; Bobby Larscheid; nieces and nephews, Nicholas, Anna and Andrew Gruesen; Michael and Alexandria DeVillers; Nick (Susie) Stanley and their children, Madeline and Jim; Shannon (David) Love and their son Charlie; Greg, Lauren and Ben Stanley. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Robert A. Gruesen; his Grandparents, Ida and Clarence Hackbarth and Geneva and Dr. Frank Gruesen. Private family services were held including a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Willebrord Catholic Church with burial at Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Cotter Funeral Home assisted the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com

Service:
St. Willebrord Catholic Church
209 S. Adams Street
Green Bay, WI