Larry Craig Gruber

Larry Craig Gruber, 84, of Mount Vernon, passed away on March 13, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. Born in Marion to the late James “Bus” and Blanche (Graff) Gruber, he graduated from Harding High School in 1959. Larry began his career as a pipe fitter with Erie Lackawanna, later working for Conrail and retiring from Southern Pacific. A lifelong Lutheran, he was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon and a former member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Marion.

Larry never met a stranger. In his younger years he enjoyed playing softball, and throughout his life he cherished fishing, hunting, and time spent with family. He held especially fond memories of summers at the family cabin in Canada with his beloved grandfather, father, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margo (Cook) Gruber, whom he married on September 16, 1961; daughters Allyce (James) McDougall of Powell, Melissa Gruber of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Monica (Bryan) Tomlin of Jacksonville, Florida; five grandchildren, Morgan Bilbrey, McKenna (Brandon) Wikoff, Carson McDougall, Nia Attanasio, and Nick Attanasio; and six great-grandchildren, Andi, Jason, Rhett, Walynn, Rylan, and Ivy. He is also survived by a special uncle, Roger Graff, and cousin Jimmy Gruber.