John Gruba Jr., age 81, of Brainerd, died Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Good Samaritan Society-Bethany in Brainerd.  Funeral services will be 12 PM Friday, May 27, 2016 at Foley Funeral Home Chapel.  The Rev. Michael Wolfbauer will officiate. Burial will be in the SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, Gilman.  Friends may call from 10 AM to 12 PM Friday at the Foley Funeral Home.
John Gruba Jr. was born October 24, 1934 in Alberta Township, Benton Co. to John and Sally (O'Konek) Gruba Sr.  He married  Patricia Lepinski on October 17, 1953 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Gilman.  He was employed at Honeywell in Northeast Minneapolis.  The couple moved back to Sauk Rapids and he worked as a foreman at Franklin Manufacturing while attending night school at St. Cloud Technical College.  John worked for Paycheck Silo Co., and owned  and operated Gruba Cabinets in Sauk Rapids for many years.  He was self employed the rest of his life.  In 1975 he sold the cabinet business and moved to Ely where the couple owned Silver Rapids Lodge.  He enjoyed guests from around the world,  and enjoyed the restaurant the most.  In 1992 he sold the resort and the couple moved to Duelm where John started a pool table and gaming supply business, selling in 2006.  The couple then retired to the Brainerd Lakes area.  He was a member of the Knights  of Columbus.  John will be missed by his family and many friends.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia, Brainerd; sons; Rod (Sheila), Ely; Dave (Kathy), Ely and Jeff of Clear Lake, 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers; Gabriel 'Gib' and Terry.