September 10, 2020 at 1:24 p.m.
Michael Allen Gruett
Michael Allen Gruett
Mike spent 49 wonderful years married to his wife, Allegra (Marshall) Gruett. Together, they made cherished memories traveling and living in many different states and countries. He loved his community, his church, the military, and work, but most of all, he loved his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Joyce and Francis Marshall; and his brother, Don. He shall be missed dearly by his wife; his children, Jason (Molly Belland) and Alyssa (Pete Mansfield), his grandchildren (Augusta, Camilla, Spencer, Madison, and William); his sisters, Jacquie (David) Brittig of Racine, Donna (Dan) Steffen of Greenfield; his sister-in-law Alice (and best buddy, Roland Lundin); his brother-in-law Nelson (Charlotte) Marshall; his brother-in-law Dale (Edith - deceased) Dzubay; and his cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
After serving nine years active in the U.S. Army, Mike chose to move back to Northern Wisconsin in 1979 and loved the sense of community Forest County provided. He retired from the Wisconsin National Guard in 2001, as a Combat Engineer and joined the US Army Ready Reserves. He retired as a Colonel after 34 years of service. He was a veteran of the Vietnam and Iraq Wars and commanded and performed major staff assignments at Company, Battalion and Brigade levels. He was a lifetime member of AMVETS and the American Legion. Mike's education included earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University Wisconsin, Wisconsin Military Academy, United States Army Engineer School, United States Army Command and General Staff College, and War College.
He cared deeply for others and was dedicated to promoting growth and tourism in Forest County. He spent 34 years working and later owning Forest TV & Appliance. He also spent 23 years as the owner of A & M Services. Mike served as the President of the Forest County Chamber of Commerce and the President of the Forest County Tourism Commission. He was also a past Master of the Crandon Masonic Lodge.
Mike, also known as "Poppa," will be remembered as someone who always supported his family and friends, spoke his mind, and was always willing to help others. He loved spending time talking with his loved ones around a campfire at his home on Lake Lucerne (after 30 minutes of chores, of course), and spending time with his grandchildren, reading, boating, and gardening.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to St. Luke's United Methodist Church, the Forest County Chamber of Commerce, Crandon Area Rescue Squad or our local AMVETS, in his honor. The family will have a private graveside service at the Argonne Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date, once it is safe for all of us to be together again.
Weber-Hill Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.weberhillfuneralhome.com
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