Obituary: Audrey F. Gruett

Audrey F. Gruett, age 82, of Potter, went to Heaven on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born August 29, 1942 in Wells, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Lester & Beatrice (Enneper) Popp. She grew up on their farm just east of Brillion on Long Lake road. Her childhood was filled with helping on the farm and in the garden. As she got older, she met Harlan Gruett, who was a friend of her brother Gerry.

On July 18, 1959, she married the love of her life, Harlan, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brillion. In the years to come, she had five children: Steve, Jeff, Dave, Chris and Tom. She loved them so much and would love to tell stories of their childhood. 

Together, Harlan and Audrey formed Gruett’s, Inc. in Potter, a business selling and manufacturing farm equipment. After Harlan passed away on June 21, 1993, the family took over the business and Audrey began working in the office part time. She loved catching up with the employees and customers. She always lived nearby and would watch over the business. Now, she will watch over from above.

Audrey was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Rantoul where she was actively involved with the Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the Potter Community Association for many years. She had a love for traveling and was proud of all the different places she was able to visit including Ireland, Australia, Hawaii and even the Holy Land. She enjoyed playing in many card clubs throughout the years and spending time with her family at the A-frame and the pond.

Audrey loved to be around people.  It gave her the opportunity to listen to the things going on in their lives and gave her time to share stories, adventures and insights from her life.  She was never short of things to share or laughs to pass on. 

Beyond her Lord, Audrey cherished her family.  She looked forward to every moment she could spend with her children, her grandchildren, and as of late, all of the beautiful great grandbabies.

Survivors include her children: Steve (Mary Kay) Gruett, Jeff (Anne) Gruett, Dave (Kathy) Gruett, Chris (Doug) Lau, Tom (Lori) Gruett; her grandchildren: Michelle (Shay) Ott, Adam (Nicole) Gruett, Nick (Brittney) Gruett, Maria Gruett, Ashley Gruett and her fiancé, Will Cone, Adria (Jeff) Verbruggen, Preston Gruett, Josh (Abby) Gruett, Ben Gruett & his special friend, Hannah, Mitch (Hallie) Gruett, Alli Gruett & her special friend, Treyner, Jacob (Nicole) Lau, Zach (Kayla) Lau, Megan Lau, Brady Gruett and his special friend, Megan, Bryce Gruett and his fiancée Kortney Woldt; great grandchildren: Evelyn, Ella, Kruz, Hannah, Henry, Beaux, Madelyn, Elliot; and her sister-in-law: Diana Popp.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan; her brother, Gerry Popp; and her brother and sister-in-law, Jim & Ruby Gruett.

Funeral Service will be at 4:30 pm on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Rantoul (N6080 West River Road, Hilbert, Wisconsin) on Sunday, September 22, 2024 with Rev. Brett Simek officiating.  Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.  A time of visitation will be held at the church from 1:30 pm until 4:15 pm on Sunday, September 22, 2024.  At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available at wietingfuneralhome.com  for those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the service, watch a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.  

A memorial fund has been established in the name of Audrey F. Gruett.  

Audrey’s family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Lana and Ellen from Moments Hospice for all of the loving care that was given to both her and her family.