HENRY (HANK) BENJAMIN GRUIS, age 87, of rural Worthington, died Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at the Royal C. Johnson Memorial Veterans Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born January 17, 1929, in Nobles County, to Fred and Fannie (Stratmeier) Gruis. Hank attended country school in Nobles County. He served his country in the United States Marine Corp.
Hank married Vivian Ailts on September 8, 1950, in Rushmore. After Hank entered the service, he was stationed at Ft. Pendleton in Oceanside, CA, where the couple lived. They later moved to the farm west of Worthington. Vivian died on December 24, 1986.
Hank married Lois Postma on June 24, 1989, in Sheldon, IA. After their marriage, the couple lived at the farm west of Worthington.
He was a farmer; and an active member of the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church south of Rushmore, where he had served as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent.  Hank collected pictures of tractors. He enjoyed raising stray pigs; and he loved to give rides on his Kawasaki Mule to his grandchildren and Lois's music students.
Hank is survived by his wife, Lois Gruis, rural Worthington; son, Allen Gruis, rural Worthington; step daughter, Barb Van Otterloo, Worthington; two granddaughters, Jean (Jason) Johnson, and Jennifer Van Otterloo; and a great granddaughter, Skyla.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Vivian; grandson, Jason Van Otterloo; and three brothers, Frederick, Marvin & Alvin Gruis.
Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Friday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Funeral will be 10:30 am Saturday at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, south of Rushmore, officiated by Pastor Marvin Lindley. Burial will be at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Worthington.
To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book, or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

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