Kristine Marie `Kris` (Gruber) Reali
Kristine Marie `Kris` (Gruber) Reali , Age 54
Kristine Marie (Gruber) Reali "Kris" was called to be with her heavenly Father on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022 surrounded by family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Lima, OH to Frederick James Gruber and June Helena (Michael) Gruber, the family moved to Baraboo, WI when Kristine was 5 years old, to be closer to her mothers family and fathers new job. Kristine attended Baraboo Schools until her graduation in 1986. Kristine always had an interest in caring for others, and became a CNA and EMT at the age of 18 when she began working at Jefferson Meadows Care Center and Baraboo Ambulance Service. In 1992, Kristine moved to New Richmond, WI and attended St. Paul College in St. Paul, MN. She graduated with a Nursing degree in 1993. After graduation, Kristine continued her Nursing career at Bethel Care Center in St. Paul, MN for the next 17 years. In 1995, Kristine married Jeff Reali and had 2 amazing children, Samuel Giovanni Reali of New Richmond, WI and Danielle Marie Reali of Roberts, WI. After her fathers death, Kristine moved back to Baraboo to be closer to her family and friends. She and Todd Nehring were blessed with her third beautiful child, Brea Kristine Nehring. Kristine worked at SSM Health Jefferson Meadows until the time of her death.
Kristine will be remembered for her independent and stubborn spirit, big heart, beautiful and contagious smile, and ability to make connections with anyone, even total strangers. She was a relentless advocate for her patients and staff. Everybody knew that if they told Kris, she would "get it done." Between enjoying her childrens activities, spending time with friends, and helping care for people in the Community, Kris would rarely be found at home. As a natural born giver, it was uncommon for Kris to put her needs above others.
She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Traveling, skiing, camping, road-tripping, running, gardening, and hitting Summerfest concerts with the girls were some of her favorite things. Kris loved her time rekindling the flame with lifelong friend, George Bonham. Together they enjoyed farming, walks, short "mini" trips, and cherishing their best friend/soulmate status. The two often discussed marriage, and although their plans were cut short, they know they will be reunited in Heaven someday.
Kristine is preceded in death by her father, Frederick James Gruber; grandparents, Owen and Margaret Michael of Baraboo, Bud and Betty Lee of Lima, OH; grandfather, Kenneth Dale Gruber (Lima, OH) who died in WWII when her father was only 2 years old, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and relatives.
Kristine leaves behind her beautiful mother, June (Michael) Gruber of Baraboo. Sisters, Kelly King of Arkansas and Kathleen Gruber of Baraboo. Her children, Samuel Reali (Madi Sattler), Danielle Reali and Brea Nehring. Her true soulmate and best friend, George Bonham, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. "Lucy" the dog will go live with her mother, June and "Lily" the cat will live with Samuel (Madi) Reali.
Kris was a brave and selfless person who truly loved being a caregiver. Although too humble to give herself the accolades she deserved, anyone that knew her will never forget the impact she made on so many throughout her career.
"It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing" Mother Teresa
A Memorial Mass will take place on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 at 12, noon at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Jay Poster officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:30 a.m. until the time of mass at the church. Floral arrangements may be sent to the church or donations may be made to the family. The Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Condolences
Wendy Stevens February 15, 2022
Friend North Freedom , Wisconsin
Kris is such a sweet person and I really love her spirit! I won't pretend to know the why/reason things happen they way they do. I just know that life doesn't seem fair sometimes. God Bless your sweet soul and I pray for comfort for your family.
Karla Vale February 15, 2022
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
So very sorry to Kris's family and friends for the loss of this wonderful woman. Always ready to lend a hand and very caring. You will be missed Kris.
Donald Issac.Small February 15, 2022
School mate Baraboo , Wisconsin
Sorry, For your loss. I remember Kris as.warm fun loving person. She is in Heaven where all angels belong. Much love and prayers for your Family.
Randy February 16, 2022
Friend/Classmate Las Vegas , Nevada
Kris and I were lifelong friends and classmates from Class of 1986. Growing up together I have so many fond memories I will forever cherish. She was the type of friend that always put others first and was always willing to help her friends no matter the situation. When my late Mother was sick and had just come home from the hospital Kris asked me if she could stop and check on my Mom and she did just that one day. Kris would later be my Mothers favorite nurse at SSM Meadows. Mom knew if she needed something done Kris would make sure it was taken care of. I’m thankful I was able to chat with her just a few weeks before she was called to the Lord. Kris will forever be in my thoughts and I will cherish the many fond memories of partying as 7-12 graders as well. Rest easy my dear friend Krissy. You will be missed:(
Cindy Hackett February 16, 2022
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Kris and I became friends at the Meadows. She loved my husband’s popcorn. She was a great nurse. She was a Mom who loved her kids and always told you so. She will be dearly missed. I feel sad for the entire world who loved her. She was one in a million
Nancy Groene February 16, 2022
Former sister in law Savage , Minnesota
We will always remember her for her kind spirit.. We loved her so much...many great memories with her💜💜💜
Chris Carlton February 16, 2022
Friends Baraboo
I grew up with Kris her family and my family were very close we will miss you dearly â¤ï¸
Jacinta Elder February 16, 2022
Neighbor North Freedom
We’re so sorry for the grief your Family is going through. Our sincerest condolences. Love the Elder Family
Sally Decker Gruber Stelzer February 16, 2022
Aunt Lakeview , Ohio
It has been many years since I seen Kris, but I love her as she was my niece. She was a beautiful girl and now she can rest in peace and no more pain with her father, Fred and her Heavenly Father.
joann Hochleutner February 16, 2022
friend , co worker Baraboo , Wisconsin
im so blessed to pray with her and have her as a great friend, rest in peace GOD has you now , i will miss you
Showers Julie February 16, 2022
Family acquaintance Baraboo , Wisconsin
My deepest condolences to her family. She fought a courageous battle. Prayers
Vija E Lee February 16, 2022
Aunt SPENCERVILLE , Ohio
I am so sorry to hear about Kris's passing. I know that Pancreatic Cancer is hard to beat. But I had hoped that they had found it early enough. Her passing away on her Uncle Tim's Birthday is perhaps a way of him keeping his heavenly arm around her. I will keep you all in my heart and thoughts. Love you all Vija
Dianna Lijewski February 17, 2022
Friend Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin
So sorry for your loss. Kris was a wonderful lady. She did love the residents, but also loved her staff. I worked with her on long term, before going over to meadow lane! Kris will be missed by a lot of us.
Rob and Jaime Jordan February 17, 2022
Acquaintance Lyndon Station , Wisconsin
So sorry to hear about the loss of Kris. She was one of our father's great caregivers at St. Clare Meadows. Such a kind, sweet lady. We send our deepest condolences to her children and family. She will be missed by many.
Dwayne Beduhn (Chip) February 17, 2022
Friend Coloma , Michigan
My condolences to you! I was a classmate of Kris, and I remember her as a fun, very nice person who always treated everyone well and always smiling. Rest in peace.
The Thielitz family February 17, 2022
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Sending much love to the whole family
Tammy Copus February 25, 2022
Class mate Baraboo , Wisconsin
So sorry for her families & George’s & her children & close friends loss….. She was always kind & Will be missed by many! ðŸ™