Bradley Keith Gruetzner
December 24, 1981 ~ July 5, 2024
Bradley Keith "Scoot" Gruetzner, age 42, of Victoria, Texas, passed away on Friday, the 5th day of July 2024, in Victoria, Texas. Born on Christmas Eve of 1981 in Palestine, Texas, to parents Burl and Debbie Gruetzner, Scoot was a man whose vivacious spirit and infectious smile left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Growing up in the heart of Texas, Scoot was the embodiment of friendliness and adventure. His childhood was filled with laughter, family, and a deep appreciation for the great outdoors. After graduating from Slocum high school in 2000, he answered the call to serve his country and proudly joined the United States Army. Scoot's bravery and dedication were evident as he completed two tours of duty. On November 15, 2006, during his second deployment in Iraq, Scoot's courage was tested when his Humvee was hit by an IED. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, his resilient spirit never wavered.
Returning home as a decorated veteran, Scoot continued to live life with a sense of purpose and adventure. He found solace and joy in hunting, fishing, and embracing the beauty of nature. Scoot's love for the outdoors was matched only by his passion for making others laugh. With a smile that could "warm your heart," he never missed an opportunity to bring joy to those around him.
Scoot's dedication to service extended beyond his military career as he devoted time to helping fellow veterans. He volunteered with Warriors Weekend, an organization close to his heart, where he contributed to improving the lives of those who had served. His commitment to his fellow servicemen and women was a testament to his caring and generous nature.
Left to cherish Scoot's memory are his wife, Angie Gruetzner; his proud parents, Burl and Debbie Gruetzner; his precious daughter, Brayden Gruetzner; his loving stepdaughter, Athena Boudreaux; his sweet sister, Julie Yeager, along with her husband David and their children, Madison and David Yeager. He will be deeply missed by his loving grandfather, Bob Gruetzner, his uncles, Jason Gruetzner, and David and Sherry Fletcher, his aunt, Cindy Gruetzner, and a vast community of friends and comrades. Scoot now joins his grandmother, Sandra Gruetzner; his grandfather, Frank Fletcher; and his uncle, Brad Gruetzner who held a special place in his heart, in eternal peace.
For friends in the Victoria area, Scoot's life will be celebrated on Saturday, the 13th day of July 2024 at ten o'clock in the morning with military honors at Son Valley Ranch, 8793 US 87, Victoria, Texas.
In honor of his extraordinary life, a memorial service to celebrate Scoot's legacy will be held at two o'clock in the afternoon, on Saturday, the 20th day of July 2024 at Evangelistic Temple, Palestine, Texas where family, friends, and those whose lives he impacted are welcome to share in the remembrance of a man who was truly larger than life.
Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Evangelistic Temple.
Those honored to serve as honorary pallbearers are Joey Tritico, Chantz Brooks, Terry Loviette, Josh Altman, Chris Sbrusch, Michael Martin, Bruce Johnson, and Ricky Smith.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorials in memory of Bradley Gruetzner can be directed towards Warrior's Weekend, 3603 Miori Ln., Victoria, Texas 77901 or Helping a Hero, www.secure.helpingahero.org.
Memorial services for Bradley Keith "Scoot" Gruetzner are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
We kindly request that you take a moment to express your condolences and share any cherished memories you may have by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon below. Your words of comfort will undoubtedly bring solace to his bereaved family.
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Bradley was always a bright ray of sunshine when he would stop in at the MVPN office in Jacksonville some years back. He would come looking for someone to help. I am heartbroken that he is gone from this world but will never forget him and the servicehe rendered in defending my freedoms! God be with the family and friends who cared for him and who he loved so deeply!
I met Brad when I started my junior year(95-96) at Slocum, a huge change for me. Although our age difference, he basically MADE me be his friend. We rode the same bus & he would tell everyone that I bullied him just so he could get me to laugh. So our lifelong joke is that he would introduce me as “the school bus bullyâ€â€¦ Thank you for sharing your world with us Brad. Your laughter & smiles will live on in all of us.
Thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time. May God give you comfort.
Dear Lord. A warrior joined you today. He was a patriot. He was a son, a man’s man, a soldier and a father, a brave man and he was my friend. We met by chance on an airplane years ago, two former warriors from different times and different wars with the common thread of battle and the quest for American freedom. You honored us with your presence and your love of god and country. Go with god my brother, go with god.
Bradley came into our lives like a title wave. When we first met him at Camp Hope, Nathan hoped Bradley wasn’t his hunter (a little alcohol was involved on Bradley part), but as fate would have it, God placed them together. The two bonded quickly over chasing a Missouri bird. Bradley couldn’t believe he drove thirteen hours to kill a turkey. By the end of the day, the turkey story grew and grew to the point that Nate called the turkey in with a rock and a paperclip all the way from Arkansas. A story we will never forget. From there a brotherhood grew and Bradley became a part of our family. Whether he they were chasing whitetail, Missouri turkey or telling tales on the porch, we loved having him in our lives. He will live on in our hearts and memories as a hero, a son, a brother. We will forever “remember that one time at Camp Hope……”
For Debbie who so tenderly cared for my uncles wounds. I remember your wish to hang the suffering in a silk spun web. May God comfort you in that web now.
I did not know this young man, but he was certainly blessed by friends and relatives.
Thank you for your service and being such a shining light to so many people. God holds a special place in his heart for those such as yourself.
Prayers of comfort to your family.