Liesel Danielle Riehl Gruse, 43, of Erie and Thornton, Colorado, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Born on March 13, 1982, in Logan, Utah, she was the daughter of Herbert and Cathy Riehl.

She is survived by her three beautiful daughters, Alexandria Lee Gruse, 24, Marian Lena Gruse, 22, and Annalee Luna Marillo Gruse, 10; her parents, Herbert and Cathy Riehl; her former husband Donald Gruse; her partner Kevin; her siblings Anton (Clara), Donpaul (Margie), Tim (Cassie), Audrey (Erick), and Woody (Amy); and her nieces and nephews Adeline, Georgie, Laura, and Enfys. 

Liesel found great joy and purpose working in retirement homes, where she formed meaningful friendships with the residents she cared for and loved hearing their life stories. She had a vibrant personality and one-of-a-kind interests: the freedom of a moped ride, the quiet pleasure of a mystery novel read in her Scion XB, the glow of Christmas lights, the thrill of a ghost hunting show, the energy of a California beach, and a passionate devotion to all things Ozzy and opera.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, February 26, at 6:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Louisville at 701 W. South Boulder Rd. 80027.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Liesel to consider a gift to Annalee Gruse’s College Savings fund (contact Herbert), or a financial or volunteer contribution toward a memorial bird sanctuary/flower garden to be planted on the family grounds - a peaceful place we can share, always, near Liesel’s best friend Skooter.