Robert Gruman

Funeral Mass for Robert Gruman, 84, of Dickinson is 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father Todd Kreitinger celebrating. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Dickinson. Military Rites will be by the Dickinson Honor Guard.


Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2011 with a Rosary and Vigil Service being held at 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson Funeral Home with Deacon Ron Keller. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Stevenson Funeral Home.


Robert passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Health Center in Dickinson surrounded by his family.


Bob, as he was known by all of his friends and family was born the only child of Robert A. and Anna (Gaab) Gruman on May 16, 1927 in Glen Ullin. He moved with his parents as a young boy to Dickinson where he attended school at St. Patrick’s grade school. Bob graduated from Dickinson High School in 1945. He was inducted into the US Army Air Corp and served until being honorable discharged. Bob returned to Dickinson where he attended Dickinson State Teachers College. Before completing his degree he was called back into the service and served until 1952. Again, Bob returned to Dickinson to complete college and received his Bachelors of Science degree in chemistry. Bob was united in marriage to Cathy Kuylen on June 5, 1954 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson. To this union four children were born: Coral, Debbie, Robert “Spud” and Lori. Bob began his career with Burlington Northern Railroad and was with them for the next 37 years, retiring as an engineer. He always enjoyed astronomy and was given the nick name of “Jupiter” by his colleagues and family. Bob was affectionately known as the “neighborhood dad” whether putting up monkey bars, filling bike tires, or turning the garden into an ice skating rink, the neighbor kids were always welcome. Bob didn’t have one certain hobby, yet he would enjoy fixing things up better then he found them. He spent countless hours out at the farm fixing up different buildings and keeping everything looking good. Above all, Bob dearly loved his wife and family and cherished the time spent with them. Bob was a life long member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and never lived more then three blocks away his entire life.


Survivors include: his wife, Cathy of 57 years; a son, Robert “Spud” (Connie) Gruman, Mandan, ND; three daughters, Coral (Dennis) Willer, Bismarck, ND, Debbie (Leonard) Tisi, Bismarck, ND andLori (Todd) Hauf, Dickinson; a sister-in-law, Caroline Heidt, Dickinson, ND; 12 grandchildren, Shawnel Huber, Crystal (Benjamin) Ridl, Chris (Amber) Tisi, Angela (John) Steele, Katie Tisi, Alicia (Nick) Phillips, Sara (Justin) Douglas, Casey (Jill) Gruman, Justin Plummer, Sheyenne Plummer, Cheydan Hauf, Taryn Hauf and 12 great-grandchildren.


Memorials may be given to the Dickinson Catholic Schools or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: November 2, 2011
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Mass: Wednesday, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, ND