Kenneth M. Hoysted Gruss
OBITUARY
Ken passed away peacefully at home with his children and dog at his side of complications from lymphoma on April 8th. He was born and raised in Oakland and was a lifelong Oakland resident. He was an enthusiastic sportsman who loved to hunt, fish, and golf. He loved the Raiders, A’s and his alma maters, San Jose State and San Leandro High. Ken thrived outdoors with his dogs, and his large garden. Ken graduated from San Leandro High School and went to City College in San Francisco where he made lifelong friends. He transferred to San Jose State College and then met a fellow classmate, Virginia, his one and only love. They married in 1954 and settled in Oakland to raise a family with two children. He was a commercial refrigeration mechanic.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, and his beloved wife, Virginia “Ginger” Gruss, and his half-sister Patricia Hoysted Rowe. Ken was survived by his children, Curis Gruss, Kathleen Byle (Richard), and his treasured grandson, Matthew, his half-sisters, Kathleen Peters, and Elaine Hoysted Pommerening (Dale). Ken was also survived by his nephews and niece, Brian Peters (Jordan), Erik Peters (Kyoko), Kirk Peters, and Amy Debusk (Jason).
Celebration of Life will be held in late July. Contact the family at kgbandit@gmail.com for details.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ken’s name to InConcert Sierra: https://inconcertsierra.app.neoncrm.com/forms/crown-point-venues-donation-form Or Dogs4Diabetics with Ken Gruss’s name to 1300-B Willow Pass Court, Concord CA 94520.