Jean D. Gruetzmacher

Jean D. Gruetzmacher, 89, of Embarrass, passed away on May 10, 2023 at Evergreen Health Services in Shawano. Jean Delores Gruetzmacher was born Sept. 13, 1933 in Clintonville, daughter to the late Arthur H. and Bertha C. (Smith) Mech. She was baptized and attended St. Martin Lutheran School in Clintonville through eighth grade. Jean was later confirmed at St. Martin and graduated from Clintonville High School. She earned her K-12 teaching certificate at Concordia Technical College and taught at St. James Lutheran School, Shawano and St. Martin Lutheran School, Clintonville. Jean worked also as a substitute teacher for many different districts. She was united in marriage to Roy W. Gruetzmacher on June 23, 1962 at Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville. She served as a certified, licensed Wisconsin State Fair judge for 25 years, and worked as a secretary for Marathon Corp. in Menasha for seven years. Jean then worked in the sales department and as a receptionist for the Clintonville Shopper’s Guide for over 15 years. She was a member of the Clintonville Women’s Club and the VFW Post 664 Auxiliary. She later earned a nursing assistant license and did in-home care for six years. As an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Embarrass, Jean sang in the choir, was a Sunday school teacher, served as Vacation Bible School coordinator, was on the altar guild, did many Bible studies, and was a part of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society. Jean loved her Lord and Savior, her family, especially her grandchildren; and enjoyed photography, cooking, baking, as well as visiting with family and friends. Jean is survived by daughter, Jane (John) Runge, Embarrass; grandchildren, Emily (Ray) Lareau, Green Bay, Michael Runge, Bonduel, Michelle (Ben Kaufmann) Runge, Shawano; sisters, LaVerne (Tom) Roocks, Lois Borchardt, Sandra Mech, and Susan (Rodney) Carlson; many nieces and nephews Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roy W. Gruetzmacher on July 5, 2018; and a brother, James “Jim” (Darlene) Mech. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Embarrass with the Revs. Todd Jerabek and Tim Mech officiating. Inurnment will take place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery following the service. Visitation will take place on Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. The Gruetzmacher family would like to thank the staff of Evergreen Health Services in Shawano and ThedaCare At Home Hospice for the wonderful care provided to Jean. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home and Crematory in Clintonville is assisting the family with arrangements. An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.