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.