Obituary
Captain Milton L Gruner flew west on February 27, 2024.
He was born to Glen Anton and Clara June Gruner on February 12, 1937. He was one of seven children. Tony graduated from Coldwater high school in 1955. His passion, life story, and first love was aviation.
Milton started his flight path at the branch county airport under the direction of Dale M0llenkoff. He and his best friend Larry Waldron purchased their first airplane for $100, and refurbished it in the Gruner chicken coop. With only student permits they flew it to Florida. Early on his flight path he owned a PT 19 with many Coldwater pilots. Tony graduated from Embry Riddle, Aeronautical University in 1958. His first aviation career step was as a mechanic and copilot for L. A. Darling at the Branch County airport. He went on to fly for Tag Airlines in Cleveland, Ohio. His next career move was as a corporate pilot for General Motors. He often said that he loved his job so much he would do it for no pay. He flew to many countries during his career and retired after 26 years.
He married Judy Calvaruso in 1963. Their wedding reception was held in the Darling hanger at the airport. Tony and Judy have three children; Matthew A. Gruner of Mooresville, North Carolina, John M. Gruner, of Jackson, Michigan, and a daughter Lee Cameron Bedacs in Texas, two grandchildren; Lana, Lee Zuck and Chase Stephen Zuck.
On their retirement, Milton and Judy lived in air parks in Michigan and Florida . Tony owned and rebuilt a Fairchild 24W which was his best hobby. In retirement, he rebuilt an Albatross, a large amphibian aircraft for Jimmy Buffett the folksinger. Tony and Judy, who is also a licensed pilot, flew to Oshkosh, Wisconsin many times. They love to travel and have explored all seven continents, including celebrating Tony’s 70th birthday in Antarctica. Between them they have seen 81 countries. They circumnavigated the United States of America in their motorhome for many years. When Tony retired from General Motors Air Transport in 1995, his goal was to be retired as long as he worked for GM. On August 25, 2021 that goal was accomplished.
There will be a private service later in the year at the Branch County Memorial airport.
Arrangements are entrusted to Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society in Timber Ridge. (352) 236-7813.
Leave a reply