Tragically, we must inform you that on December 16th, Alex Gruetzmacher, a brilliant and gifted 12-year-old boy, passed away. Our hearts are heavy with grief. Oshkosh, Wisconsin’s seventh grader Alex attended South Park Middle School and possessed a spirit full of hope and ambition. His untimely departure from this realm is a tragedy.
Being different was difficult for Alex because he was autistic. He overcame the obstacles and did quite well in school. His favorite things to do were to play board games, bake cookies, play video games with pals, collect Pokémon cards, and sketch and paint. Spending time with his four siblings—Aspen, Hudson, Ava, and Jade—was the most important thing to Alex.
Many people feel a wide range of emotions, from deep sadness to justified rage, because of the circumstances surrounding Alex’s passing. Unfortunately, bullying is still an issue in our schools, and it’s sad to hear that he was a victim of it. School districts across the country, including those in Oshkosh, Ripon, Rosendale, and others, need to take notice of the widespread problem of bullying and do something about it. There must be a firm stance against bullying in schools immediately since every life lost is tragic.
Even though we are grieving Alex’s passing, we would like to take this opportunity to honor his life and the difference he made in the world. Those fortunate enough to have known Alex will always remember his tenacity, generosity, and zest for life.
We are deeply sorry for the loss that the Gruetzmacher family has experienced. A fundraiser has been set up to help ease the financial constraints of medical expenditures and funeral arrangements, so that they can get support during this difficult time. While monetary contributions are greatly appreciated, we recognize that they may be out of reach for others. Help the family spread the word about the importance of preventing bullying and suicide with your prayers, shares, and love on social media.
Let us unite as a community and tackle the problem of bullying in our schools so that we can commemorate Alex’s memory and avoid similar tragedies. I pray that Alex’s life and legacy inspire others to value life more, love one another, and work toward a better world. Donations can be donated to the family’s fundraiser (insert GoFundMe link) instead of flowers, which will assist support their mission and put a stop to bullying in schools. Alex, may you rest in peace. We shall keep you in our hearts forever.
