Marianna Gruber

Marianna Louise Gruber (Brauer), age 77, of Whitewater, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, November 20, 2021 after a short battle with cancer.

Marianna was born December 11, 1943 in Cook County, IL. She grew up with her three brothers in Hillside, IL. Called “Babe” from birth by her brothers, and later by her nieces and nephews, Marianna was the treasured baby of the family. She graduated from Proviso West High School in 1962 and married James “Jim” Gruber on August 25 of the same year. Together, they had six children between 1963 and 1972.

The family moved to Gilman, WI in 1978 where they farmed for a short time before moving to Villa Park, IL. In 1982, Marianna and Jim divorced but maintained a friendship that would last Jim’s lifetime.

Marianna found love again in her partnership with William “Bill” Skarbek. Marianna and Bill shared a household and life for over 30 years. They traveled together extensively, often on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

For many years, Marianna worked as an office manager for AAA Garage in Villa Park, IL, where she was also the caretaker for her mother, Julia. Following her mother’s passing, Marianna moved to Chippewa Falls, WI where she worked as a physical therapist and later at Gordy's IGA as a deli clerk. Throughout her career, she loved working directly with people and serving others through her work. In 2013, Marianna retired and moved to Whitewater, WI where she lived out the rest of her life with her partner, Bill.

Marianna loved to spend her time in her colorful and well-tended garden. She could identify almost any plant by looking at it and could give advice on the best ways to grow it, too. She almost always had a cat or a dog in the garden with her. In the evenings, she enjoyed reading and indulging in her favorite treat, chocolate. Marianna also loved to travel and she visited Ireland and almost every state in the United States including Alaska.

More than anything, Marianna loved her family. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was happiest when sitting at a crowded table, surrounded by the loud noise of conversation and laughter from her big family. She had a down-to-earth way of making guests feel welcome, too. Many people came into Marianna’s life as friends and quickly became family.

Marianna will be remembered for her beautiful gardens, her open-door policy, the welcoming gatherings she hosted, and her vibrant purple hair.

Marianna is survived by her partner of over 30 years, Bill Skarbek; three daughters, Karen (Jeff) Moline of Whitewater, WI, Anne Marie (Dan) Erlenbaugh of Jim Falls, WI, Katie (Bob) Goldin of Woodburn, IN; three sons, Jim (Carol) Gruber Jr. of Grants Pass, OR, Carl (Megan) Gruber of Villa Park, IL, Matt (Heather) Gruber of Lombard, IL; and her honorary son, Bill (Linda) Russo of Lemont, IL. She is further survived by her 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, four sisters-in-law, many beloved nieces and nephews, and her dear pets, Poppy and Smudge.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman (Julia) Brauer; her three big brothers Herman Jr., John, and Don Brauer and her former husband, Jim Gruber Sr.

Condolences may be sent ℅ Karen Moline to N6994 County Line Road, Whitewater, WI 53190. Memorials can be made in Marianna’s name to the Humane Society of Wisconsin. Or, if you’d like to remember Marianna quietly, enjoy a good book and some bridge mix one evening and think of her.

Private family services to celebrate her vibrant life will be held at a later date.