Roger Gruetzmacher

Roger Franklin Gruetzmacher, Jr. September 2, 1953, ~  July 27, 2025, St. Matthews, South Carolina

Roger Franklin (Frank) Gruetzmacher, Jr. a loving brother, father, grandfather, and uncle passed away peacefully following a long illness on July 27, 2025. He was 71 years old.

Born on September 2, 1953, in Columbia, South Carolina, Frank enjoyed a full life. He lived for a while in Iowa and found cold weather was not his thing. His heart belonged to St. Matthews which was his home and refuge. Frank served his country as an OS Third Class in the Navy on a AOR (Ammunition, Oil and Replenishment) ship during the Vietnam war.

He retired from International Paper after 25 years of dedicated service. Beyond his professional life, he found joy in working in his yard, playing his guitar, golfing, reading, spending time with his sister, children and grandchildren, staying connected with his AA program and watching sports -preferably Carolina Gamecocks with his son.

He is survived by his sister, Reji Gruetzmacher Musso; children, Andrew Michael Gruetzmacher, Angela (Dewey) Gruetzmacher McElroy; grandchildren, Ashton, Addy and Aerie and his nieces Katie Musso Monroe, Nancy Meredith McGrew and their families. He was preceded in death by his Father, Roger Gruetzmacher Sr.; Mother, Nancy Partridge Gruetzmacher; a sister, Chris Yardman Gleaton, an infant son, Aaron Bradley Gruetzmacher and his wife, Arlene Burns Gruetzmacher.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Frank is now in the presence of God, where there is no more sorrow or pain. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7).

A service celebrating Frank’s life will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church at 8160 Old State Road in Cameron SC 29030 on August 9, 2025, at 2pm. There will be light snacks and visitation in the Fellowship Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation Serving the Carolinas, 701 Gervais Street, Suite 150, PO Box 195, Columbia, SC 29201 or Resurrection Lutheran Church, PO Box 427, Cameron, SC 29030 in memory of Roger Franklin Gruetzmacher, Jr.