Mary Anne Gruber

Chilton WI

Mary Anne Gruber, age 89, of Chilton, died on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Lakehouse of New Holstein.  She was born December 19, 1936 at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, daughter of John & Catherine (Bersch) Gruber and spent her early years on a farm in the Town of Rantoul.  It was here that she grew to love helping care for the animals, driving horses and tractor and helping plant and harvest the crops.

At age 9, Mary Anne contracted polio which left her with paralysis of one leg and wearing a brace.  This may have slowed her down, but did not stop her from doing what she wanted.  The family moved to Chilton in 1946.

After graduating college, Mary Anne worked in the lab at Chilton Malting Company, and left after a year to work in Texas.  She returned to the malting company where she worked for the next 44 years as quality control, inventory management, new product development and sales.  She was fortunate to partner with Charley Papazien and helped establish the American Microbrewing Association which was the start of the microbrewing / brewpub movement that took place during the 1980’s and has continued to this day.  She provided hands on help in obtaining and installing equipment, brewer training and beer formulations.  Mary Anne attended Wynstephen Academy in Germany where she obtained a degree in brewing and later was awarded a Master Brewer degree.  

Mary Anne continued her education and earned degrees in food technology, baking and milling.  She traveled extensively across the US, Canada and the Caribbean.  

After retirement, Mary Anne enjoyed visiting with friends, playing Sheepshead, relaxing and fishing at the cottage, gardening and her continued travels throughout the United States and Europe.  She looked forward to spending the winters in her home in Florida and all of the friends she had there.

Mary Anne is survived by 25 nieces and nephews and their family, other relatives and many friends.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; 5 brothers; and a niece and a nephew.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 am on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (54 E. Main St.) in Chilton.  Burial will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Chilton.  A time of visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 am until 11:15 am on Thursday, September 3, 2026.  At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available above for those wishing to watch a livestream or archived recording of the funeral service, watch a memorial video or see photos of the flowers and gifts given to the family.  

Mary Anne’s family would like to thank the entire staff at Lakehouse of New Holstein and the nurses and staff of the Calumet County Homecare and Hospice for the loving care that was provided to her.