One hundred and forty family members gathered at the Dearth Community Center in Coldwater on Sunday, Aug. 14 for a traditional gathering that first began as a picnic at Morrison Lake in 1890.

The Spacious building permitted display of many family artifacts brought in by many of those attending. They were laid on tables that nearly surrounded the entire building. In addition, Ellen Gruner Wilkinson brought the walking spinning wheel, which was originally owned and used by Mary Ann Pilz, mother-in-law of Anton Gruner (1812-1895), who came here with the Gruner's in the 1850's. Also on display was a large shipping crate with a company name in Bremen, Germany still visible.

Pictures of each of the family branches (third generation) were taken, followed by one of the entire group before adjourning inside to a bountiful potluck dinner.

Following the dinner, a meeting was called to order by President Charles Gruner. Minutes of the 2000 meeting were read and a financial report given.

Philip Moore Gruner of Collinwood, Tenn., the last living member of the fourth generation, age 93, was honored as being the eldest member present with a toast, provided by Bruce Gruner, who was able to acquire some Gruner Wine (bottled in Austria) for the occasion.

The youngest member present and awarded the engraved spoon was Whitney Elizabeth Wilkinson, born May 30, 2005, the granddaughter of Robert and Ellen Gruner Wilkinson.

New officers were elected as follows: President, Bruce Gruner of Okemos; vice president, Greg Hull of Union city; secretary-historian, Sylvia Gruner Horais of Alton, Ill.; and treasurer, Linda Lee Morrison - Matthews of Coldwater.

Certificates of appreciation were given to Marian Sherburne Zang of Durham, N.C. as outgoing secretary historian and author of the "Gruner Heritage" genealogy book; Charles and Wilma Gruner authors of the new picture booklet of the "Family Historic Homes in Branch County" plus a "Cemetery Directory;" and Nancy Gruner Urvan of Arlington, Tex., Webmaster for the "Gruner Family Heritage" Web Site.

There are now over 600 known descendants of Franz and Katharina Von Gruner (1790-1856) living mostly in this country. A reunion every five years gives them an opportunity to trace their family heritage and meet some of their relatives, as well as see many of the artifacts still preserved by different family members.