Lyle Dean Gruen

SERVICE UPDATE DUE TO WEATHER. RESCHEDULED SERVICE INFORMATION IS LISTED BELOW.

Lyle D. Gruen, 87, of Madison passed away at home on Sunday morning, December 31, 2023. Lyle was born in La Crosse, WI on September 30, 1936, to the late Adolph and Mathilda (Schendel) Gruen who resided in Wilton, Wisconsin.  On October 19, 1957, Lyle married Janet A. Ristow at East Lemonweir Lutheran Church, rural Elroy, Wisconsin.  Lyle served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1959-1961. Lyle worked at Thorstad Chevrolet, Madison, as a car salesman for over 30 years. 

Lyle loved spending time with his family including his grandpets. He enjoyed driving his 1972 Chevy Malibu convertible, playing cards/pool, fishing, racquetball (in his younger years), and talking to people.  He looked forward to vacationing in Three Lakes, WI where he spent time relaxing, fishing and water skiing with family and friends. Lyle had an infectious sense of humor that made people laugh and smile.  He lived a full life, had a positive attitude and was known to share jokes wherever he went.

Lyle is survived by his loving partner of 20 years, Sue Teubert and family; daughter, Debra (Jeff) Kemnitz and his grandson, Jonathan Kemnitz; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Mathilda (Schendel) Gruen; his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Janet A. (Ristow) Gruen; brother, Gerald Gruen, and sister-in-law, Shirley Gruen; sister, Gertrude Blado and brother-in-law, Elmer Blado; sister, Evelyn Anderson and brother-in-law Harold Anderson; and mother-in-law, Agnes Ristow and father-in-law, Elmer Ristow.

A Celebration of Lyle's life will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 2pm at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road in Madison.  Visitation will be held from 1pm until the time of service. 

Interment will be held at East Lemonweir Lutheran Church cemetery, rural Elroy, Wisconsin, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice, Bethel Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice in Lyle’s name.

Lyle's family would like to thank Agrace Hospice and Dr. Robert Olson of Associated Physicians for the exceptional care they provided.

Livestream Link:

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=8aaa9a3d-1641-47ad-b8f2-f037dc112d49

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service is serving Lyle's family.

3610 Speedway Road

Madison, WI 53705

608-238-3434