Alan Leroy Gruwell, 62, of Grand Island, died November 25, 2016 at CHI Health St. Francis.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Grand Island, with Pastor Bill Pavuk officiating. Interment will be in the Grand Island Cemetery. Apfel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Alan was born on March 9, 1954 at Alma to Herbert and Betty (Gates) Gruwell. He grew up in several towns in both Nebraska and Kansas. He received his education at Waconda East High School in Cawker City, Kan. He was united in marriage to Rebecca Koch on July 14, 1973 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City, Kan. In 1975, the couple moved to Grand Island where he began his career in home construction. In 1992, he became co-owner of Superior Building & Supply. He continued to operate this business until his passing. He also conducted home inspections for Mid-State Home Inspections for 10 years.

Some of Alan’s greatest loves were his three blonde-haired, blue-eyed granddaughters, Lindsey, Mallory and Kendal. They have fond memories of him teaching them how to fish, attending their various activities and sneaking them his favorite sweet treats. He was an avid Husker football fan. As a hobby, he enjoyed classic cars and attending area car shows where he won many prized trophies. Another favorite pastime was attending the horse races at Fonner Park every spring.

Alan is survived by his wife, Becky, of Grand Island; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Brooke Gruwell of Omaha; and daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Shawn Flebbe of Grand Island. Three granddaughters, Lindsey and Mallory Gruwell and Kendal Flebbe. Three sisters, Diana Honore of Grand Island, Connie Gruwell of Lincoln and Linda Madsen of Lincoln; two brothers-in-law Roger Madsen of Lincoln and Alan Toll of Salina, KS; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Janet Toll and brothers-in-law Dan Larkowski and Holger Honore.