Barbara June “Barb” Gruber (née Whitford), born on May 24, 1935, in Mayville, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, in Hartford. She was 90 years old.
Barb was the beloved daughter of Ronald and June Whitford and grew up alongside her sisters, Ann Louise (Danny) Williams and Beth (Whitford) Wettstein and brothers, David and Ken (Beth Amber) Whitford.
In 1970, Barb began her long career at Hartford Union High School as attendance secretary. In the early days of computers, she developed and coded an attendance program that was ultimately adopted by the State of Wisconsin for use in schools across the state.
Barb is lovingly remembered by son, Kurt Gruber of Conifer, CO, and daughter, Linda (Tim) Kaehler of Milwaukee; her sister, Beth Wettstein of Hartford and brother, Ken (Beth Amber) of Rockford, IL; brother-in-law, Danny Williams of Seattle, WA; her granddaughters, Valerie Simmons and Veronica Kaehler, both of Milwaukee, and Kasandra (Pete) Jauregui of Waukesha; and her great-grandchildren, Ryan, Isaiah, Zaylah, Jayla, James, Kaden, Damien, Mila, and Larry. She was also loved by many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Ronald and June Whitford; sister, Ann Louise (Danny) Williams; brother, David Whitford, and former husband, Jerry Gruber.
Barb found joy in collecting, rummaging and craft shows, finding treasures for not only her own home, but also for those of her children, grandchildren, siblings and friends. She had a special gift for creating spaces filled with comfort and charm. An amazing home cook and baker, she loved to host friends and family as well, and holiday gatherings were a favorite way to show her love.
Barb also had an abiding love of travel. The American West held a special place in her heart; she enjoyed many return visits to Seattle, Colorado, and Montana, as well as yearly trips to family in Gladstone, MI.
To those who knew her best, Barb was the heart of the family, and she leaves a void that's impossible to fill. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the profound impact she had on our lives.
A visitation will be held on November 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shimon Funeral Home, 824 Union Street, Hartford, WI. A funeral service will immediately follow at 1 p.m. Family will gather privately for interment.
