Earl Gruel, age 87, of Bonduel, passed away on Friday evening, October 23, 2015 at Meadow View Estates in Bonduel. Earl was born in the town of Hartland on October 4, 1928 to the late Otto and Anna (Ziebarth) Gruel. Earl grew up on, and later farmed the family farm in the town of Hartland. In 1975 Earl married Jerolene (nee Ponton) Commons, she preceded him in death on October 5, 2001. Earl was a lifelong member of Zion United Methodist Church in Bonduel where he served on the cemetery committee. Earl is survived by: three step-sons, Ray (Jean) Commons of Weston, Ernest (Laurie) Commons of Port Washington, and Clark (Annette) Commons of Bonduel; six step grandchildren; five step great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law Phyllis Gruel; nieces and nephews, Vernon (Geraldine) Pitt, Keith Pitt, Connie (Peter) Martineau, Kathy (Steve) Hughes, Linda (Bill) Biese, Barb (Todd) Maves, Mari (David) Kriescher, David (Noreen) Gruel, Rick (Joan) Gruel, and Jim Gruel; as well as his good friends, Cletus and Gloria Kurowski. He was preceded in death by: his wife; his parents; two brothers, Mervin and Dale Gruel; and one sister, Vera Pitt. A funeral service for Earl will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at Zion United Methodist Church in Bonduel with Rev. Dan Nault officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Meadow View, the hospice nurses, the hospice chaplain, and Pastor Nault for all they have done.