Ronald J. "Rocky" Gruner

Ronald J. “Rocky” Gruner, 92, of Grantfork, IL, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Cedarhurst of Highland.

He was born on June 20, 1934, in East St. Louis, IL, to Edward and Alma (nee Taylor-Altic) Gruner. On November 10, 1956, Rocky married Maxine Smith.

Rocky was raised on a family farm outside of Old Ripley, IL, and graduated from Pocahontas High School. During the drought in the summer of 54’, farmers had issues with their crops and that sent Rocky along with some friends to enlist in the military. He served in the United States Army from 54’ to September 26, 1956, and Maxine had their wedding ready to go 6 weeks later.

After their wedding, Rocky and Maxine moved to Greenville, IL. He helped on the farm with his father, Edward, held jobs at Jakel Manufacturing and McDonald Douglas of St. Louis, MO, until he was accepted into the Illinois State Police Academy in November of 57’, later being assigned to Troy, IL. Their first child, Rhonda, was born in September of 58’ and in 61’, they built their home in Grantfork as that was the closest the IL State Police would place him to still be able to help on the family farm. The Grantfork house turned out to be a wonderful place to raise their family, having Kurt in 62’ and Karl in 63’. He lived in his Grantfork home up until 3 weeks before he passed away.

Rocky was a State Trooper from 1956 to 1984, and during that time, he was very proud of having one of the first of two K-9 Police Dogs with the IL State Police, Dusty. After his time with the state police, he retired and drove a milk truck for Ohren, enjoying the farm visits, and even drove a Special Ed bus for Zobrist Bus Line. Eventually, Rocky went to work for security at Granite City National Steel for roughly 10 years, retiring from there in 1996. He was then blessed with 30 years of retirement until his passing.

Rocky was a member of various organizations throughout his life, being a Mason, belonging to the Fraternal Order of Police, the Moose Club, American Legion, and for many years, he was part of the Tuesday Afternoon Men’s Club.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and loved them dearly, always bragging about having all 3 of his kids living within 2 miles of him and Maxine. Throughout his life, Rocky had various hobbies. He was in a bowling league for many years, played horseshoes, went fishing and rabbit hunting with his beagles, and adored his Dachshunds, having 6 in his lifetime. He loved any dog and most people! Rocky was a straight shooter, always telling it the way it was. He was strong, stern but fair, and let more people off the hook than he gave traffic tickets. Rocky never met a stranger. He could sit and talk to anyone for hours about anything, and was a jokester, loving to pull pranks on friends and scare his kids and grandkids. 

He was a terrific Griller; his BBQ was outstanding. It took all day and a few beers, with some old country music under “The Old Oak Tree" in the front yard. So, many good times and memories there. Till they meet again, Rocky's kids and grandkids will be under "The Old Oak Tree".

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Gruner; parents, Edward and Alma Gruner; father and mother-in-law, Orville and Jennie Smith; sisters, Geraldine Blair and Cleda Novy; and brothers-in-law, Wayne Miles and Raymond Smith.

Rocky is survived by his children, Rhonda (Steven) Brendel, Kurt (Kathy) Gruner, and Karl (Kristy) Gruner, all of Grantfork, IL; grandchildren, Chelsey (Dustin) Alldredge, Marine, IL, Shea (Jasmine) Brendel, Antioch/Nashville, TN, Kayla (Kirk) Braun, St. Louis, MO, Kara (Bryton) Timmermann, Breese, IL, Megan (Michael) Harper, St. Rose, IL, and Derek Gruner, Grantfork, IL; great grandchildren, Alyssa and Brody Alldredge, Marine, IL, Payton, Emerson, Raegan, and Wesley Braun, of St. Louis, MO, Wrenley and Kade Timmermann, of Breese, IL, Naomi, Eliza, and Clara Harper, of St. Rose, IL, and Baby Boy Brendel due in April, of Antioch/Nashville, TN; sister-in-law, Ruth Miles; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family requests that instead of flowers, plants, and other decorations, memorial donations be made to the Grantfork UCC, the Grantfork Volunteer Fire Department, or to Backstoppers, Inc., for Police and First Responders.

Memorial Visitation: Friday, September 25, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 am, at Grantfork United Church of Christ, Grantfork, IL

Memorial Service: Friday, September 25, 2026, 11:00 am, at Grantfork United Church of Christ, Grantfork, IL

Clergy: Pastor Nancy Brooks and Pastor Bill Kapp

Interment: Brown Cemetery

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL