Douglas Gruss

Chillicothe - Douglas R. Gruss, 52, of Chillicothe died August 14th at St. Joseph's Home in Lacon, Il.. He was born August 1, 1959, in Peoria, Illinois to Fred and Minnie (Shea) Gruss. Surviving are his parents, one son, Ben Gruss and one daughter Brooke Gruss (Craig Combs) both of Chillicothe; one sister Laurie (Jim)Biery of Dunlap; one granddaughter Sofia Combs of Chillicothe; one uncle George Lockwood of Bartonville and two nieces Sarah Whitley of Taylor, MI and Amy (Dustin) Magner of Bartonville. Doug was preceded in death by his grandparents. Doug was employed by the Lutheran Home as a painter for 19 years, last working in October of 2010. Doug enjoyed spending time with his family and was a NASCAR enthusiast. A special thanks to OSF Hospice, the dedicated nurses, doctors, support staff at Saint Francis Medical Center, St. Joseph's Home and the Peoria Cancer Center for their care and concern. Also thank you to the Lutheran Home for their support and organization of a benefit for Doug. Cremation has been accorded. Services will be held at 11 a.m, Thursday, August 18, at First English Lutheran Church in Peoria, with Pastor James Lillie officiating and Pastor Paul Park assisting. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria. Memorial may be made to the American Cancer Society or OSF Hospice.