Elaine B. Gruling, age 87, of Merrill, died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, at Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill.
Elaine was born on March 13, 1926, in Merrill, daughter of the late Edwin and Adelia (Sabatke) Kleinschmidt. She married Gerhart A. Gruling on June 30, 1945, in Merrill. He preceded her in death on Dec. 8, 1996.
Elaine had worked at Weinbrenner Shoe Company in Merrill, and had also worked as a receptionist at Dr. Rajek’s Dental Office in Merrill. Elaine was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. She enjoyed embroidery, cooking and baking.
Survivors include two sisters, Jeannie (Harlan) Storm and Helen Frederick, both of Merrill; a dear friend, Mary Ann Zastrow, of Merrill; two sisters-in-law, Betty Tierney, of Wausau, and Lee Gruling, of Montello; one brother-in-law, Robert (Eppie) Gruling, of Merrill; and many nieces and nephews. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Gerhart Gruling; her parents; her grandparents; and one brother, James Kleinschmidt.
The funeral service was held Thursday, Oct. 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Scott Gustafson officiated. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.