Gloria Gruber

Gloria Anne Gruber (Carlson), age 89, of Minneapolis, died peacefully on September 28, 2026 at Lexington Pointe Senior Living Center in Eagan, MN.

Gloria was born in 1937. She was the eldest daughter to Carl T. and Edith E. (Hill) Carlson. She is survived by her brother Lowell T. (Barb) Carlson of Shakopee and sister Janet Stevenson of Andover; her daughter Jennifer Hood and son-in-law Jim Bergevin of Eagan; her grandchildren Wynne and Peter Hetherington, Christian (Monse) Bergevin and Elijah Bergevin. Gloria's grandchildren meant the world to her, and she spent much of her time devoted to their care and development over the years. She is also survived by several loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Gloria is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Edith Carlson; brother-in-law Tom Stevenson; all of her aunts and uncles; and cousin Dennis Hill.

Gloria was also a devoted friend to all that knew her. She loved serving others and being helpful to family and friends. Every person that met Gloria felt this devotion and became a lifelong friend.

Goria went to elementary school and junior high school in Minneapolis. She graduated from South High School where she was a star student. She was Snow Queen and Homecoming Queen her senior year in high school. Then she was off to Macalester College in St. Paul where she earned a biology degree in Medical Technology.

Gloria maintained strong lifelong friendships with her high school and college classmates. She got together with them routinely for visits, vacations, and other celebrations throughout her lifetime.

Gloria worked fulltime as a Medical Technologist until her retirement. She started her career at a few local hospitals in the Twin Cities but worked most of her career at Mt. Siani Hospital in Minneapolis, as head of Hematology, until their closure. She finished her career at HCMC as their Laboratory Educator. She built a legacy of friendships and mentorship throughout her working career.

Gloria grew up in Minneapolis and began her career here while starting a family. She later moved to Stillwater where she lived for over 12 years before moving to Andover where she spent 38 years living next door to her sister Janet.

Gloria helped care for several family and friends in their time of need. Her compassion and empathy to support others was unmeasurable. Gloria was always willing to lend a helping hand or concerned ear to anyone in need. Almost everyone that met Gloria became a lifelong friend.

Gloria is best known for her cheerful smile and welcoming laugh. She made the best of several difficult situations and never let life's challenges bring her down. She was a pleasure to spend time with and a true joy to be around. Gloria was kind, welcoming, cheerful, helpful, hardworking, and supportive to everyone in her life.

Visitation for Gloria will be 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by her funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026 at the Simonet Funeral Home, 6429 Osgood Ave S., Stillwater, MN. Private interment at Houlton Cemetery in Houlton, WI.

Gloria will be deeply missed by her daughter, family, and friends. Her legacy will live on in all that knew and loved her. Rest-in-peace beautiful mother, you will never be forgotten.