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- Frank T. Gruber, R. Ph, 97, of Olney, Ill., formerly of Collinsville, Ill., born on Aug. 23, 1914, in East St. Louis, Ill., died on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, at Richland Memorial Hospital, Olney, Ill.
Frank had many fond memories of his boyhood and young adult life. He loved sharing humorous stories from events during these times, like living though the depression and opening his store though the height of the depression.
Frank graduated from St. Elizabeth's Grade School in 1928 and then graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School in 1932. He was a 1936 graduate from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. He and his wife, Dolores B. Gruber owned and operated Grubers Rexall Drugs in Washington Park, Ill., for 38 years closing in 1971. Frank then went to work for Stiehl Drugs as a Pharmacist for 14 years. He was a former member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Parish and a member of Knights of Columbus. He was very involved in the athletic programs at St. Martin of Tours and at Assumption High School. His presence and financial contributions and his loyal support of the high school and youth sports programs in Olney gained him many long lasting friendships.
Frank was proud to have spear-headed a financial committee to raise funds for St. Martins School Building in the 1950's. He was active in the Metro East Pharmaceutical Society. Frank devoted his long life to his family, with support in education and sports and continued giving the same support to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Frank instilled a remarkable work ethic in his children and grandchildren in both education and sports. He beamed with pride as he was able to watch them achieve their goals and accomplishments.
He was preceded in death by his, wife, Dolores B. Gruber, nee Loyet, whom he married on Jan. 8, 1941, and who passed away on Oct. 5, 1993; a daughter, Janet Yonke, who died April 1999; his parents, Joseph and Anna, nee Hatzel, Gruber; a sister, Anna, nee Gruber, Spirk; and a brother, Joe Gruber.
Surviving are his son, Dr. Frank E. (Kathryn) Gruber of Olney, Ill.; a son-in-law, William Yonke of Largo, Fla.; his grandchildren, Kristin (Wafa) Kanaan of Alpharetta, Ga.; Dr. Brian F. Gruber of Scottsdale, Ariz., Michelle (Steve) Torline of Kansas City, Mo., and William F. Yonke of Atlanta, Ga.; his great-grandchildren, Isabella Faye and Dean Brady Kanaan and Danica Kathryn Torline; a sister, Emma (Adolph) Auer of Belleville, IL; his nieces and nephews, JoAnn Auer, Ruth Ann (Dave) Chady and Dr. Charles E. (Liz) Auer of Belleville, Ill.; two great nieces, Christina Chady and Sophia Auer; and many other nieces and nephews.
Published in Belleville News-Democrat on December 21, 2011
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English
1914 - 2011 (97 years)
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