Richard M. Gruber, 81, of Belvidere, IL passed away peacefully Thursday evening, April 30, 2015 in Northwoods Care Centre after a lingering illness.  Richard was born July 12, 1933 in Chicago, IL, the son of Richard G. and Mildred G. (Miles) Gruber-Hildebrandt.  He married Florence J. McClay on May 21, 1955; she preceded him in death on July 19, 1988.  He then married Jacqueline A. Mulcahy on December 21, 1989.  Richard served our country in the US Navy from 1950 through 1956 and an additional 8 years in the Seabee's.  His working career began as heavy equipment mechanic; he then went into sales for Howell Tractor.  Later, he worked for Lunde's Truck Sales as a parts driver and then for Trans Am Truck and Trailer Parts in the same capacity.  Richard grew up in the United Methodist church in Elmhurst.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping; being an instructor for the NRA and his work with the Indian Guides.  Richard was a mason and member of the Order of the Eastern Star as well as a member of the Scottish Rite and Medina Shrine Temple serving each organization for 50 years.

Richard is loved and will be missed by his wife, Jacqueline of Belvidere; children, Richard Gruber of New York, New York, Susan (Carl) Canham of Lombard and step-daughter, Christine Smith of Rockford; granddaughter, Carla Canham of Lombard; step-grandchildren, Jonathan Jackson of Madison, Jason Smith of Waukegan and Timothy Smith of Rockford; great-grandson, Matthew Urdiales.  Richard is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Florence and sister, Dorothy Bratko.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2015 in Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services at Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Chapel, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL with Masonic and Easter Star services at 7:00 p.m.  Graveside services with military Rites will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday May 6, 2015 in Mt. Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst, IL.  Memorials can be given in care of the American Cancer Society in Richard's name.  To light a candle or to share a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com