James Gruver
d. July 30, 2016
James Gruver, died Saturday, July 30, 2016 at his home in North Branch, Minnesota.
Jim was born in Princeton to Cliff and Adeline Gruver. He grew up and graduated from high school in Two Harbors. A life-long “motor-head” Jim worked for various shops including Barko Hydraulics and Husky Hydraulics, then was a heavy equipment operator for the City of Two Harbors for 12 years. In 1983 he moved to North Branch to take over his father’s business – Sunrise Engine Rebuilders.
He was a member of the Minnesota Street Rod Association for over 35 years, and enjoyed restoring and driving his classic cars and trucks.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife Susan in 1992; brothers, Duane and Dennis Oberg; and sister, Mildred Nikodym.
He is survived by his sons, Jeff of Duluth, Tim of Two Harbors, and Kevin of Stacy, a daughter Stephanie (Robert Marking) of Minneapolis; granddaughter, Kara; a brother, Cal (Meredith Medler) Gruver of Two Harbors; his long-time companion, Colleen Kastanek; and his dog Schnell.
Private burial was in Lakeview Cemetery, Two Harbors.