Paul Andrew “Andy” (Terribilini) Gruel
Andy passed on February 10, 2026, in Billings, Montana from a stroke. He was born in San Bernardino, California August 12, 1951 to Eva Mae (Gere) Terribilini and Johnnie Eugene Terribilini. At fourteen, his Aunt Thelma and Uncle Richard Gruel brought Andy and brother Robert to their home in Billings where Mom and Dad Gruel continued to raise him. His name was changed to Gruel. He was in ROTC at Billings Senior where he graduated in 1971. He joined the Navy where he received a certificate for Cook/Chef. He served on the USS Biddle, a tin can, along the coast of Vietnam. He came home to Billings on leave in 1974. While on leave, his brother Rick Gruel introduced him to Brenda Joyce Blackman who was going to graduate from the then Eastern Montana College. He shipped out on his second tour to the Mediterranean on the aircraft carrier, USS Independence.
Andy received an Honorable Discharge from the Navy on September 15, 1975. On November 29, 1975, Brenda Blackman and Paul “Andy” Gruel were married following a terrible snowstorm in Helena, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church by Reverend George Harper. Mom Gruel bought airplane tickets to fly us to our wedding due to the storm. We hitched a ride back to Billings with the best man. That was the beginning of fifty memorable and wonderful years together.
He attended Eastern Montana College, Northern Montana College, University of Montana at Missoula, Carroll College and Missoula Tech. With a degree in accounting, he worked at the Department of Job Service. He was the first Montana Game Accountant of the Lottery and Tri Lotto West. He joined the Montana Army National Guard. He received an Honorable Discharge and retired from the military. He left State accounting and entered into the Federal Postal Service where he worked from the Main Post Office in Great Falls, Montana. He retired again.
He belonged to the Helena Jaycee’s, Helena Boy Scouts, Helena Disabled American Veterans and Cascade American Legion. His Cub Scouts, sons, Devon and Charles, Wife, and Mayor Rich Brown planted many of the fir trees in the Montanan State Veteran Cemetery at Fort Harrison, Montana.
He had enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, Boy Scouts with his sons, the cabins on Wegner Creek, woodworking, starting up our distillery, traveling in our RV, watching movies and TV together, and a good meal with double Jim Beam on the rocks.
Andy is survived by his wife, Brenda, sons, Charles Joseph Gruel (Stevie Thomas) and Devon Andrew Gruel. Ace Seilstad has called him “Dad” for years. He was proud of the three young men. His sisters are Elena (Terribilini) Moe (Randy Dahl) of Fargo, North Dakota, Coralee (Terribilini) Erickson and husband Rick of Fargo, North Dakota and Sandy (Gruel) Dorsett of Missoula. Brothers, Robert (Terribilini) Gruel and his wife Tokie Young Gruel who live in Los Angelos, California. There are numerous nieces and nephews. There are two half-sisters, Jeri Miller of Billings and Charlotte Da Rell of Tacoma, Washington. He has a grandson, Nathanial Gruel of Helena, Montana. Deceased are Rick Gruel, Ron Gruel and all parents.
The celebration of Andy’s life will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home and Crematory in Helena. Viewing hours will be Friday February 20, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be approximately 3:45 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Craig Cemetery in Craig Montana. Following the graveside rites a gathering for coffee and cookies will be at the former Craig School House and the now Fire Training Facility. Memorials may be sent to any Veterans’ organization of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday February 20, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday February 21, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
Approximately 3:45 p.m.
Saturday February 21, 2026
Craig Cemetery
Craig , Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial
Saturday February 21, 2026
School House
Craig, Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday February 20, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday February 21, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
Approximately 3:45 p.m.
Saturday February 21, 2026
Craig Cemetery
Craig , Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial
Saturday February 21, 2026
School House
Craig, Montana
Share
Earle Damon says
Brenda, my deepest condolences and sympathy to you and your family. God Bless all of you.
Earle
Ann Henry says
My condolences to u and your family. We have had some times together thats for sure. RIP Andy.
Diane Lockey says
Brenda, I am so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Diane and Richard
Joyce Evans says
I have known Brenda (Blackman) Gruel my entire life – growing up in Craig. I met Andy after I retired from the Navy in 1995. Being members of the same “canoe club”, I had many interesting conversations with Andy. He will be missed. Fair winds and following seas, sailor!!!
Jim Fischer says
Condolences to the Gruel – Terribilini families. I have fond memories of the times we shared on the couple of trips when we were in Montana.
Richard & Janice says
Brenda , In this time of sorrow our thoughts & prayers are with you & family.
We have many fond memories of our numerous trips to Montana, particularly the Folk Festivals in Butte with you, Andy & your Mom.
Linda Nelson says
Brenda and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.