Erik Gruby

Erik Gruby, age 31, of Browns Valley, Minnesota passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Browns Valley with Fr. Gregg Frankman and Fr. Jerome Ranek Celebrants. Visitation will be held Friday, May 18th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Visitation will continue Saturday morning one hour prior to service time at the church.

Erik John Gruby was born October 22, 1986 in Sisseton, South Dakota to Virgil and Melody (Ward) Gruby. He attended school in Browns Valley, Minnesota and later graduated from Sisseton High School in 2005. He attended college at Lake Area Tech, South Dakota State University and Milwaukee Area Technical College for Mortuary Science where he received his degree.

After his education he worked with Eggers Funeral Home in Rosholt, South Dakota. Erik had many different job experiences working for Stillson Service in Sisseton; Cinema 5, Larry's Lumber and Coca-Cola in Watertown; Woodland Cabinetry in Sisseton; Horton in Britton; Schwan's and UPS in Aberdeen; and Tri-State Water in Sisseton. Erik was an ambitious, hard worker. He enjoyed the experiences that came with working various jobs and meeting new people and their pets.

Erik loved animals and dreamed of one day opening an animal shelter. Erik had a special bond with his nephews and niece and enjoyed playing games with them.

Erik was known for his sense of humor which was not always church friendly. He had a quick wit that would keep everyone laughing. He was an avid movie watcher and could spend days on end enjoying them.

Erik was perceptive to people and made friends easily. He was charming, caring, kind and sincere to everyone. Erik enjoyed lifting weights and participating in 5k runs with his family.

Erik had a strong faith and enjoyed reading the bible. He knew Jesus as his lord and savior. He studied God's word and enjoyed discussing and sharing his thoughts about his faith, especially with his Aunt Ember. Erik knew God had a plan for him and stated, "I'm trying to live up to what God wants me to do and when I struggle and fall he is present and willing me to move forward."

Erik was open about his struggles with addiction and mental illness. He was supportive of people who struggle with the same, and his hope would be for their family members to never give up on their loved ones.

Erik is survived by mother Melody Gruby of Browns Valley, MN; siblings: Kirk (Lucie) Gruby of West Fargo, ND; Jered (Wendy) Gruby of Browns Valley, MN; Kara (Steve) Kjenstad of Watertown, SD; and Kyla (David) Zach of Fargo, ND; nieces and nephews: Kyler, Keegan and Brenden Gruby; Zoey, Wyatt and Kamden Gruby; Kamrie Kjenstad; and soon to be baby Zach; grandmother Betty Ward of Wilmot, SD; and his dog: Toki.

Erik was preceded in death by his grandfather Lewis Ward; grandparents Ben and Anna Gruby; uncle Chuck Ward; uncle Francis Grajczyk; and cousin Mark Gruby.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.