DANIEL GRUEN, Age 49, City Manager of Charleston, died Monday, March 19, 2012 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

Born September 14, 1962, son of Richard and JoAnn Mataya Gruen, who survive of St. Louis, he was a 1989 graduate of St. Louis University with a Masters of Arts in Urban Affairs. He had served as St. Louis City 11th Ward Alderman and was currently serving as the City Manager for the City of Charleston and on the board of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce. He had served as Economic Developer for Jefferson City, West Plains and Bowling Green, MO and was a former member of the Army Reserves.

He and his fiancée Debbie enjoyed a cruise last year to the Virgin Islands, he enjoyed fishing with family, watching CNN and enjoyed politics.

Besides his mother and father he is survived by his fiancée, Debbie Pederson; one brother: Andrew (Carrie) Gruen; four sisters, Jennifer (Bob) Tomiser; Christine (Mike) Mauer; Jane (Andy) Throm and Carolyn (Steve) Kroeck; also a number of nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his fiancee's parents, Bill and Betty Richard, who thought of him as a son and his fiancee's sons Bryan and Derek.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time for the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Rev. Gerald Penn, pastor of First Assembly of God Church in Charleston, will officiate.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com