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Ron Gruetter
Ron Grutter was born Aug. 20, 1941, in Palo Alto and lived in Vallejo until 1985, when he moved to Sonoma with his wife, Jill Gruetter.
He passed away at his home in Vallejo on Saturday, Sept. 29.
Ron is survived by wife, Jill Gruetter; son, Blake; and cousins, Jolita, Mike, Erica and Paul Michael Burchett.
He lived in Sonoma for 27 years. During that time, he was very active in Kiwanis where he was instrumental in creating the third-grade dictionary project each year, where each third-grader in every public and charter school received their own dictionary. He was also active in the American Legion and Native Sons where he began the “Dance for the Troops.” The proceeds from this event sent hundreds of care packages to troops in harm’s way over the last three years. For several years, he also volunteered his time with the local high school metal shop helping the students with the projects and teaching them how to use the tools and equipment. Ron also was a mentor with the Mentoring Alliance, and was very proud of his mentee, Alex Sandoval, who graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 2011.
He spent his 27-year career as a civilian employee at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and also volunteered his time at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard museum.
Ron also served his country in the United States Air Force.
He believed strongly in offering opportunities to young people who desired to attend technical and trade schools instead of a four-year college or university. In lieu of flowers, those interested can make donations to the Ron Gruetter Memorial Scholarship fund, c/o Kiwanis Club of Sonoma Plaza, P. O. Box 1903, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Ron was predeceased by his mother and father, Laurel and Fred Gruetter. He will be missed so very much by his family, friends and this community. He was a wonderful father, husband and an honest, hard-working man who believed in being an upstanding citizen of these United States and this community.
Services will be held on Sunday, Oct. 7, at 2 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building at 126 First St. W.
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Over 30 years of friendship and sharing made this man my best friend. He is missed so dearly because I loved him more than a brother. He had one of the most giving and loving hearts a man can possess. His volunteering was without end. We each had T-shirts that read "Let me drop everything and work on YOUR problem." His giving of himself had no limits to anyone he met. Not a day goes by I don't miss him and our time together. I feel like a part of me died with him September 30th. The world was a better place with him in it and now there is this void. It's so sad to see a giant of a man such as him lose to a broken heart and the pain life can give sometimes. Thanks for all the smiles and laughs you left us with my dear friend.