William Leonard Gruber

William "Billy G" Leonard Gruber, 57, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, after a long and complicated battle with health issues related to Type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Billy was born in Stillwater, Minnesota, and adopted at birth by Leonard and Muriel Gruber.

Billy grew up in St. Paul, and graduated from Highland Park Senior High School (class of 1987), where he remained deeply rooted in the community he loved for most of his life.

While working at Casey's in St. Paul, Billy met Rima, and together they built a family filled with love, complexity, resilience, and deep connection. He proudly stepped into the role of father to Jordyn, whom he lovingly called his "first love," and in 1991 welcomed his daughter, Chloe Rose.

Life took many turns over the years, but the bonds within their family remained enduring and profound.

In 2006, Billy married Chandra "Momdra" Harnack, his high school sweetheart. Chandra and the Harnack family remained an important part of his extended family, whom Billy loved dearly.

In 2018, the family welcomed Lucy Rose, Billy's granddaughter, his absolute pride and joy. Becoming "Billy Gpa" was one of the greatest and most meaningful moments of his life.

Billy worked many jobs over the years, including at Casey's, the 5-8 Club, the Movie Station, and as a chef for the Hazelden Fellowship Club. He especially loved cooking for others. His "second career"- grew from his love of motorcycles. First at the Hitching Post, followed by 12 years as Finance Manager at Fury Motors, where he found lasting friendships, purpose, and community. His Fury family became an important part of his life far beyond the workplace.

He also built many cherished friendships through volunteer work with the St. Paul Jaycees and the Tunnel of Terror crew near Fort Snelling during the 1990s.

Billy will be remembered for his warmth, humor, generosity, storytelling, and enormous heart. He had a way of making people feel welcomed, fed, seen, and loved.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Gruber.

Billy is survived by his daughters, Chloe and Jordyn; granddaughter, Lucy Rose; his brother, Steve "Bubba" (Michelle); his mother, Muriel; and the many friends, coworkers, cousins, and chosen family members whose lives he touched deeply.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, June 14, 2026, in South Minneapolis. Additional details will be shared soon.