Dear Friends, Family, and Community,
It is with profound and unimaginable sadness that we share the news of the passing of Nate Gruber. On Tuesday night, surrounded by the boundless love of the women he spent his life protecting and cherishing - his devoted wife Angela, his three beautiful daughters, his mother, his sister, his mother-in-law, his best friend Dan, and Angela's best friend Mel -Nate lost his brave battle with a sudden and aggressive infection. Just a week ago, Nate was living his life to the fullest. What began as sudden ankle pain quickly escalated into a catastrophic medical crisis. Despite emergency surgeries, an amputation, and the tireless, heroic efforts of his medical team, the illness progressed too rapidly to overcome. Nate fought with everything he had, but he left this world knowing how fiercely he was loved.
To know Nate was to love him. He wasn't the loudest voice in the room, but he possessed a quiet, strong, and deeply reassuring presence that drew people in. He was the kind of person you just wanted to be around—the patient, calm, and incredibly chill guy with whom you’d end up having a fun, interesting conversation all night long. If you asked anyone in his hometown of Port Washington about him, they would tell you the exact same thing: Nate was just a cool, genuinely good dude who was friends with everyone. Above all else, Nate was fiercely protective and supportive of the women in his life. He anchored his family with a steady, unconditional love, from his mom and sister, to Angela and her circle of friends, and most of all, his three daughters. He loved big, and he lived fully. Whether he was cheering on his favorite Wisconsin sports teams, dedicating his time to youth sports through the Bavarian Soccer Club and local volleyball clubs, or traveling to Spain to make unforgettable memories with his sister and her family, Nate was always completely present for the people and passions that mattered most. He also brought that same dedication to his career. Nate truly loved his job and his coworkers at Milliman IntelliScript, where he was a valued teammate and friend.
In the wake of this sudden, devastating tragedy, Nate leaves behind an incredible legacy in his three young daughters and his wife, Angela. In a matter of days, their world has been completely shattered. While they navigate a grief that words cannot fully describe, Angela is now facing the daunting reality of raising their three children as a single mother. If you know the Gruber family, you know they are the first to show up for others with open hearts and ready hands. Now, it is our turn to show up for them.
How Your Donation Will Help
The financial burdens facing Angela in the coming months are staggering. As we wrap our arms around this family, our goal is to eliminate financial stress so Angela can focus entirely on grieving with her daughters and guiding them through this heartbreaking transition. Every single dollar raised will go directly to Angela to assist with:
- Immediate Memorial and Funeral Expenses.
- Unresolved Medical Bills from Nate's intensive hospital care.
- Lost Income and Living Expenses as Angela and her daughters adjust to life without Nate.
- Long-term Stability and Support for their three daughters, including childcare and future education.
If you are unable to donate financially, please consider sharing this page widely with your networks, your workplaces, and your communities. Most importantly, please keep Angela, her three daughters, and their entire family in your constant thoughts, hearts, and prayers.
With deep gratitude and love,
Katie Chappell, Julie Henningsen, Melissa Malady, and Colleen Avila
On behalf of Angela and the girls