Walter “Wally” Lee Gruber, 76, of Hope, KS passed away at home on April 11, 2023. He was born on January 1, 1947, to Martin and Katie (Katherine Krause) Gruber, in Hope, KS.
Wally made his life in Hope, where he attended school and graduated from Hope High in 1965.
After high school, he spent several years in the Army Reserves, used his skills as a carpenter to build numerous homes in the area and assist with 4-H projects, and was a long-time dedicated farmer, growing crops and raising cattle. Wally was also a member of the Kansas Young Farmers Association and enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years, occasionally taking out-of-state fishing adventures. In his later years, he was able to lend his many skills in helping to complete renovations on the building that now houses the Hope Historical Museum.
He is survived by his brother Rano Gruber of Hope, sister-in-law Vicki Gruber of Hope; nieces and nephew Kelli (Ryan) Almes of Manhattan and Kai Gruber of Manhattan; greatnieces and nephews Kendon and Della Almes and Ethan, Aiden, and Abigail Gruber.
He is preceded in death by his parents Martin and Katie, brother John Gruber, and nephew Chris Gruber.
Wally’s family and friends will gather on Monday April 17, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Lyons Creek, for a graveside service. A celebration of life will be held at the First National Bank Annex and Community Center following the graveside service on Monday.
Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, Herington, is serving the family.
Memorial contributions in Wally’s name may be directed to the Hope Historical Museum.
Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Walter at www.yazelmeglifh.com.