Jeff C. Gruetzmacher

Jeff Gruetzmacher “Gruetz” stepped peacefully into Heaven’s light at the age of 69 on October 25, 2017. A Celebration of Jeff’s Life will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church (701 Washington St., Grafton) on October 31 at 6:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, at the church, from 3 PM until 5:45 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials of your choice are appreciated. Jeff was born on February 27, 1948 in Madison, Wisconsin. He was raised in Milwaukee. His family moved to Grafton when Jeff was a sophomore in high school. Jeff graduated from Grafton High School in 1966. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he earned both his Bachelor’s of Science degree and his Master’s degree in Petroleum Geology. Jeff married his high school sweetheart, Donna Kaul, on December 28, 1968. Throughout their lives together, both family and friends, knew that Donna was Jeff’s One True Love. In 1975 together they moved to Houston, Texas where Jeff got his first position as a petroleum geologist with Gulf Oil. For the next 14 years Jeff had the thrill of prospecting for oil with discoveries in Arkansas and Texas. During those years, their three children were born Texans, Kate, Kurt and Kent. In 1988 Jeff moved his family back to Grafton. He then opened his business Energy Consultants of Wisconsin of which he has been the owner/operator for 30 years. Jeff was known for his love and talent of playing golf. He has been credited for beginning the first golf team, of which he was the captain, at Grafton High School. He managed to play four holes of golf the day before his long term illness stopped him from playing again. (He still hit the ball a mile!) Gruetz affected the lives of many people as he continued to fight his illness for five years; never complaining and always with the motivation that he wanted the most time with his family. Jeff provided work for anyone who needed a job. He became a second Dad to many. Jeff is the beloved husband of Donna (nee Kaul), Loving Father of Kurt (Sarah Jo), Kent, and the late Kate Gruetzmacher, Proud Grandpa of Paige, Tess and Liam, Beloved son of the late William and Lois Gruetzmacher, Adored son-in-law of Arline (the late Fritz) Kaul, Dear brother of Kim, Bill (Jill), the late Scott and the late Mike Gruetzmacher. Admired Father-in-law to Travis Thompson. Jeff is further survived by his employees, business associates, and many other relatives and friends. A special heartfelt thank you is extended to Pro Health Care Cancer Center in Pewaukee whose doctors and nurses shared Jeff’s sense of humor and cared for him lovingly and compassionately during every one of his many treatments. As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.