Roger L. Gruhlke, 66 of Eau Claire passed away peacefully after a short illness on Monday, April 30, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire.

Roger was born to Orville and Mabel (Thompson) Gruhlke on July 17, 1951 in Eau Claire. He was united in marriage to Verna Chamberlain on January 27, 1973 in Eau Claire. Roger worked alongside his twin brother Reggie at Uniroyal for 25 years until closing. Roger then worked at the YMCA Tennis Center for 20 years where he retired in 2015. In his younger years, Roger and his twin brother Reggie were proud and accomplished members of the Eau Claire Flying Eagles Ski Jumping Club. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and the time spent with his brothers hunting and attending the Iola Car Show. Roger was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and will be dearly missed.

Roger is survived by his wife Verna of Eau Claire; daughter Jennifer Gruhlke of Eau Claire; son Jeff Gruhlke of Eau Claire; his beloved granddaughter Alexandra Gruhlke. He is further survived by his brothers Wayne (Judy) Gruhlke and twin brother Reggie (Sue) Gruhlke; sisters Bonnie Spencer and Gayle (Richard) Hanson; brothers-in-law Mike (Hope) Chamberlain and Ronald Chamberlain; sister-in-law Geralyn (John) Berg; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Gerald and Yvonne “Bonnie” Chamberlain, brother Randy Gruhlke, and brother-in-law Russell Spencer.

Private family services will be held. Family and friends may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.

13 Comments

  1. Verna –
    I just want you to know that I’m thinking and praying for you, Jenny, and Allie. Please let us know when you are ready for a laugh. You know the HTI gals are always here for you.
    Lots of love,
    Jess

  2. Verna, Jen and Ali. I have so many great memories of Roger from growing up on the west side and all of you as a family. I was so sorry to hear of this. My heart goes out to all of you. Roxy

  3. Verna, I am so sorry to hear about Roger. We have so many memories of when we were so young and crazy. We will need to get together and share our stories. He will surely be lost.

    Thinking of you all during this sad time.
    Love
    Deb G.

  4. My Dear Verna.
    My heart breaks for you & your entire family. I’m so fortunate to have had you & Rog in my life so many years ago. We have such great fun memories! Rog was always a “fun-loving” guy! I remember his laugh & smile! Do you remember how we stood in your “Elk Lake” kitchen, eating the skin off the grilled turkey & laughing? You & Rog were the best “week-end” hosts a family could ask for. I simply smile when I think of Rog & all of our memories and shedding tears also. God Bless you during this most difficult time. Love you! Jini

  5. Verna and families, my deepest sympathies for your loss. Roger was a very honest, fair and loving person. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time. Lila

  6. Reggie and Gruhlke family, I remember my brother Jack (Moore) ski jumped with you and Roger in the 60’s. I talked to Roger a few times over the years, when he worked at the tennis center. Just a thought, I wonder if Charlie Anderson, my father Jack, Roger, and my brother Jack are reminiscing about there ski jumping days up in heaven. That’s a pretty good group of ski jumpers in their day. Deepest sympathy to your family. Jim Moore

  7. Verna,
    So sorry for this loss of Roger. Gone too soon? He will live on forever in your heart.
    Amy Z

  8. Verna, Kids, Reggie, Ron and families,
    I want to express my sincere condolences to the whole family and I am very sad to hear of Rogers passing. I have very fond memories of ski jumping out at Mt. Washington Hill with the Gruhlke brothers (Who were way better atheletes than me) and wondering how they were so good. Also all of the crazy & fun memories from junior & senior high school with most of you. I will never forget those days! I am praying for you all.
    May God Bless you,
    Tom Webb

  9. Verna and family I always enjoyed Rogers company. I remember him skiing and graceful he was in the air .Sorry for lose

  10. I am sorry to hear about Roger’s passing. I will always have great memories of our friendship from teen years to adulthood. Teen memories of tearing up the West side and fishing at Half Moon lake. Later memories of fishing outings in Chetek and weekend trips to Fort Wayne. He was a great friend and will surely be missed.
    Jerry

  11. Dear Verna and family,
    We are so very sorry for your loss! It happened so quickly that it is hard to grasp. I can’t imagine how difficult this is for the entire family. We just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you, Jenny, Jeff, Ali and all of his brothers and sisters and sending our prayers!!!

  12. Verna and family,
    So very sorry to hear about Roger. I just heard from Mary Lou. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Michelle, Rich, Rayna, and Bianca Firnstahl

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