Kathryn Lynn (Ristau) Gruler

Kathryn Lynn Gruler, 81, passed away peacefully on March 20th, 2026. She was born on July 7, 1944, in Aurora, Illinois, to Bernice and Merrill Ristau.

Kathy lived a life defined by compassion, dedication, and love for her family and community. She spent her entire career as an emergency room nurse, a profession she was deeply passionate about and incredibly proud of. Through her work, she touched countless lives with her skill, care, and unwavering commitment.

Kathy found great joy in her family and the moments they shared together. She especially cherished her yearly visits with her brother Richard, where they created lasting memories recording music together-memories her family will always treasure. She also developed a love for sports while supporting her athletic son, becoming an enthusiastic fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, IU Basketball and Bobby Knight. This led to many laughs and joyous memories with the grandkid's traveling sports trips including competitive cheerleading, volleyball and baseball.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernice and Merrill Rista, and her brother Richard, whom she will now join again.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Donald Gruler; her brother Edward (Cindy and Angie); her children, Lisa (Todd) Baugh and Steve (Barbie) Gruler; her six grandchildren, Nicole, Kathryn (Joseph), Alexandria (Mykalya), Tyler (Marissa), Paige (Isaiah) and Bryce; and her seven great-grandchildren, Brina, Tessa, Franklin, Brooklyn, Silas, and Bryant, along with the eagerly anticipated arrival of baby Evans.

Kathy will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and the deep love she had for her family. Her legacy of care and compassion will live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Friends may visit with the family on Monday, March 23rd, from 3-6pm at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A funeral service for Kathryn will be held on Tuesday, March 24th, at 1pm with visitation one hour prior to service in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kathryn's honor to Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

Kathy's memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

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