Jeffrey A. Gruetzmacher

Jeffrey A. Gruetzmacher, 55, Wausau, died Tuesday December 21, 2021, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born September 5, 1966, in Milwaukee, son of Daniel and Susan (Zastrow) Gruetzmacher. On June 30, 1990, he married Colleen Schneck in Wausau. She survives.

After high school, Jeff had been employed at Apogee Enterprises then worked for several years at Wausau Papers in Brokaw. After the Brokaw plant closed, he was employed with Waukesha Bearings in Antigo.

Jeff was a true outdoorsman. His love of the outdoors was inspired by his dad who taught him to hunt. He then passed that down to his own boys as well. As an avid fisherman, Jeff and Colleen spent many special times on the water together. Summers also meant camping friends and watching and attending Brewer games. Jeff was the owner of Woodland Pheasants, a pheasant farm he operated on his land.

Jeff was always known as a hard worker, Early on, however, he knew that his first priority was his family. He sacrificed a lot to ensure he could be the best husband and father. He served as a Scout Leader for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, Jeff also coached for his son’s baseball team for many years and becoming a mentor, not only to Alex and Cameron, but to so many of the  kids our community.

Jeff was a man of deep faith. As a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Aniwa, Jeff served his beloved church family as Head Trustee. Jeff wanted his life to be dedicated to Christ. He enjoyed discussing his faith with friends and family because he wanted others to experience the love he felt through Christianity.

Survivors include his wife, Colleen Gruetzmacher, two sons, Alex (Heather) Gruetzmacher, Becker, Minn., Cameron Gruetzmacher, Schofield; his parents, Dan and Sue Gruetzmacher, brothers and sisters-in-law, Cynthia & Ed, David & Rosie, Tim & Victoria, Gary & Kathy; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Jeff was preceded in death by an infant son, Adam, a sister, Debbie Kronstedt, grandparents, Irene & Wilbert Zastrow, Elizabeth & Theodore Gruetzmacher, June & Howard Schneck; brothers-in-law, Dan & Greg Schneck.

Funeral services will be 4:00 p.m. Thursday December 30, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church, 238145 Star Road, Aniwa. Rev. Ryan Fehrmann will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday December 30, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Zion Organ Fund.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

A recording of the funeral service for Jeff is available for viewing at; https://youtu.be/XnJMUPyn_kk