Linda Gruber

A Graveside Memorial Service for Linda J. (Kaes) Gruber will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Eustis East Cemetery, Eustis, Nebraska, with Pastor Kathy Gundell officiating.

A Celebration of Life Luncheon and Time of Fellowship will be held immediately following the graveside service, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the St. John's Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Eustis.

Linda Joan (Kaes) Gruber, 85 years of age, died peacefully on July 3, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina. A native of Frontier County, Nebraska, Linda was born on November 23, 1940, at her grandmother's home in Frontier County. She graduated from Eustis High School in 1958 and from the University of Nebraska in 1962, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. She began her teaching career as a home economics teacher at the Eustis Public School and later taught middle school science in Bertrand, Nebraska.

Following her years in education, Linda became a real estate appraiser and broker while continuing her lifelong commitment to serving her community. She served on the Eustis School Board and led exercise classes at nearby nursing facilities, encouraging others to remain active and engaged.

Linda and Dennis shared 62 years of marriage, raising their family on the Gruber family farm in Gosper County before later making their home in Eustis. Upon retirement, they moved to Kearney.

Linda was known for her generosity and concern for those less fortunate than she. A devoted member of the Lutheran church, she played the organ, taught Sunday school, and assisted with confirmation classes for many years. She enjoyed traveling and participated in Lutheran mission trips to Tanzania, Argentina, and in a ministry serving seafarers, at the Port of Long Beach, California.

In the fall of 2025, Linda relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, to be near her daughter and attended Faith Lutheran Church.

Linda will be remembered most for her sharp wit and her dry sense of humor. Linda was authentic, original, and absolutely irreplaceable.

Linda was preceded in death by: her husband, Dennis Gruber; her parents:  E. Herman and Elaine (Anderson) Kaes; and her sister, Kay (Kaes) Moser.

Linda is survived by her children: Lisa Hornick of Wilmington, North Carolina; and Seth (Coe) Gruber of Kearney, Nebraska; her sister, Rebecca Hinchman; she will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Rowan (Lizzie) Gruber of Summerville, South Carolina; Lauren Hornick of New York City, New York; and Dean Hornick of Wilmington, North Carolina; and a great-granddaughter, Lilliana Gruber.

Memorials in Linda's honor are kindly suggested to Lutheran World Relief or to Donor's Choice.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.