Dr. Ainslee Gruen

Dr. Ainslee Arnold Gruen, 92, of Chambersburg, died Sunday evening, February 26, 2012 at Menno Village where he resided for the past twenty-one years. Born November 15, 1919 in Jersey City, NJ, he was a son of the late Edwin Lawrence and Elizabeth Love Jacobsen Gruen. He served as a pilot with the US Navy during WWII and was discharged in 1948 at the rank of Senior Lieutenant. He then served as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army prior to serving in the US Coast Guard. A graduate of Rutgers University, Dr. Gruen went on to earn his degree in veterinary medicine in 1950 from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Gruen worked as a veterinarian in the Chambersburg area for more than thirty years. Following his retirement he served as a Professor at Wilson College where he established the Veterinarian Technician Program and was co-founder of IRP (Institute of Retired Persons). He had a great love for flying and was an avid fisherman. Dr. Gruen was a life member of Burt J. Asper Post 46 American Legion, Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW, B.P.O. Elks Lodge #600, the Chambersburg Club, and the Menno Haven Auxiliary, all in Chambersburg. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association for sixty-three years and was a member of the Farm Bureau.

Dr. Gruen is survived by his wife, Dolores “Dody” Myers Gruen, whom he married in May of 2006; five children, Penny Lee Gruen of Kennebunk, ME, Gail Gruen Cline and long-time companion Raymond Moseley of North Myrtle Beach, SC, Lawrence “Larry” Lane Gruen of Blue Ridge Summit, PA, Tara Gruen-Kellam and husband Matt of Fayetteville, PA, and Amy Gruen Grigsby and husband Michael of Nokesville, VA; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Eulalie M. Gruen in March of 2001, and his brother, Robert Gruen.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the Menno Haven Chapel, 2075 Scotland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA. Chaplain Vernon Isner will officiate. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00 PM Sunday at Menno Haven. It was Dr. Gruen’s wish to be cremated and there will be no public viewing.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Women In Need Capital Campaign, PO Box 25, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or to the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, 2325 Country Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202.