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God took my beloved, Gerry Gruen, home on April 5, 2018. Gerry was the most honorable man I have ever known. He lived a life of service to others and never wanted or asked for any recognition for it. It's just who he was. He "is" a 6.5 year U.S. Marine, (Once a Marine, Always a Marine), 2 tours Vietnam, 23 years as a Police Officer in Oakland, California and 7.5 years with Palm Beach County Schools, in West Palm Beach, Florida. The last 8 years at Oakland, Gerry headed up P.A.L. and brought year round support to the inner city youth of Oakland influencing many a young person to strive for their dreams. Gerry also coached baseball and primarily, football for over 23 years in California. Because Gerry crossed paths with so many young people in so many areas, some went on to a life of service through the Military, Law Enforcement, Coaching and serving in their communities taking the self-confidence, strength and teachings with them of Gerry Gruen. He loved being a mentor, role model, strength, and protector of young people. He loved his children and sacrificed much so they could have.
Gerry and I met later in life, in October 1997 and were married in Reno, NV June 1998. We were blessed with 21 years together making wonderful memories, being inseparable, and loving each other with a love that many live their whole lives and never know. GerBear, as I called him, was my life, my best friend, my soulmate, my hugger, and I know my life will never be the same. We loved each other unconditionally, completely and lived it every day we were given.
Because Gerry and I got together later and I was not a part of his early Oakland times or his OPD retirement pension, when Gerry passed, our income dropped over 80% and left me with joint debts that still need to be taken care of and no estate or assets to pay it from. When Gerry retired in 2002, his medical issues from Agent Orange were already impacting him, and it was impossible to afford any kind of life insurance even for a small policy. For the past couple years, I have been his 24/7 caregiver because of his heart disease, 1 kidney, Type II Diabetes, Neuropathy in his legs and 2 failed back surgeries and Gerry being in constant pain but refusing to take any kind of pain killers. I am self-employed but spent much of my time making sure GerBear was ok and if anything was needed, I was there so the necessary marketing that has to be done to keep a business going fell drastically impacting my time marketing to new clients and having future income. Financially, I am going to hit a brick wall very shortly and need help have his memorial in August, keep our bills paid, not lose our home to foreclosure, and buy the time needed to build business generating future income as well as make sound decisions for the future while I am coping with his loss. $50,000 will make it possible for me to keep everything going over the next 6-8 months and allow me the time to build back up my clientele so I am making income again . Many have asked about sending flowers or where donations can be made. GoFundMe is where for those that wish to help, can donate in "Memory of Gerry, My Beloved" right away so the financial crises I am heading for can be averted. Please share this on your facebook and social media and with any and all that knew my GerBear.
In June of 2015 Gerry and I were Christian Baptized with Life Church in Reno, NV and I know Gerry is with our Lord, his parents, my parents, his Marine Corps and Police Officer Brothers and Sisters and many of the people we both loved that have gone before us.
We will be together again. And, if I know Gerry, the first thing he asked Jesus is where is the locker room and footballs and has his football team going in Heaven. Please take a moment and pray, and donate what you can. Anything at this time is a Blessing. Thank You. The Proud and Honored Wife of Gerry Gruen, one of God's Humble Servants now watching over all of us.
Gerry and I met later in life, in October 1997 and were married in Reno, NV June 1998. We were blessed with 21 years together making wonderful memories, being inseparable, and loving each other with a love that many live their whole lives and never know. GerBear, as I called him, was my life, my best friend, my soulmate, my hugger, and I know my life will never be the same. We loved each other unconditionally, completely and lived it every day we were given.
Because Gerry and I got together later and I was not a part of his early Oakland times or his OPD retirement pension, when Gerry passed, our income dropped over 80% and left me with joint debts that still need to be taken care of and no estate or assets to pay it from. When Gerry retired in 2002, his medical issues from Agent Orange were already impacting him, and it was impossible to afford any kind of life insurance even for a small policy. For the past couple years, I have been his 24/7 caregiver because of his heart disease, 1 kidney, Type II Diabetes, Neuropathy in his legs and 2 failed back surgeries and Gerry being in constant pain but refusing to take any kind of pain killers. I am self-employed but spent much of my time making sure GerBear was ok and if anything was needed, I was there so the necessary marketing that has to be done to keep a business going fell drastically impacting my time marketing to new clients and having future income. Financially, I am going to hit a brick wall very shortly and need help have his memorial in August, keep our bills paid, not lose our home to foreclosure, and buy the time needed to build business generating future income as well as make sound decisions for the future while I am coping with his loss. $50,000 will make it possible for me to keep everything going over the next 6-8 months and allow me the time to build back up my clientele so I am making income again . Many have asked about sending flowers or where donations can be made. GoFundMe is where for those that wish to help, can donate in "Memory of Gerry, My Beloved" right away so the financial crises I am heading for can be averted. Please share this on your facebook and social media and with any and all that knew my GerBear.
In June of 2015 Gerry and I were Christian Baptized with Life Church in Reno, NV and I know Gerry is with our Lord, his parents, my parents, his Marine Corps and Police Officer Brothers and Sisters and many of the people we both loved that have gone before us.
We will be together again. And, if I know Gerry, the first thing he asked Jesus is where is the locker room and footballs and has his football team going in Heaven. Please take a moment and pray, and donate what you can. Anything at this time is a Blessing. Thank You. The Proud and Honored Wife of Gerry Gruen, one of God's Humble Servants now watching over all of us.