Welcome to the Family

The Grupe-Armbruster family was born and raised in and around St. Croix and Pierce County, Wisconsin. Starting as farmers, they gradually peeled off and pursued what brought them joy: music, marketing, accounting, and engineering, to name a few. But one thing that always tethered them together was their gratitude for their hometown and the community that helped nurture them into the adults they are today.

Now, they want to give back to that community.

Our Roots

Carolyn Grupe (Armbruster)

Founder of the Grupe Armbruster Family Foundation

I was born and raised on a farm in rural Hager City, Wisconsin and had six siblings. We grew up working hard, but enjoying time with our cousins and neighbors. Most of us started working at young ages. I started babysitting when I was 12, and then started working at a local restaurant when I was 14. Both of my parents also worked second jobs at this restaurant. But despite our busy schedules, family was always prioritized.

I went to a Catholic school for 8 years where I learned the importance of trying to be a person who cares about others and helping others in need. I feel that at this time in my life, my husband and I are finally financially capable of trying to make a difference in people’s lives. That is why we created the Grupe Armbruster Family Foundation. We are excited to start on this venture and see where it takes us and what we can accomplish.

Jamie Grupe

Founder of the Grupe Armbruster Family Foundation

I grew up in the small town of Roberts, Wisconsin—just 500 people back then—where community and hard work shaped the foundation of who I am. Athletics were a big part of my life through college, including the honor of playing Division I baseball at Iowa State in Ames. After graduating, I began my professional journey with Wells Fargo and later Bremer Bank, but in 2001, I took a leap of faith and founded my own investment and tax preparation firm in Hudson, Wisconsin. It was a decision driven by a deep desire to help families navigate their financial futures. That same spirit of service led me to become actively involved in nonprofit work, serving on boards like Youth Action Hudson, Phoenix Residence Group, and River Valley Charities—each one an opportunity to give back and help strengthen the communities we call home.

The heart of my inspiration has always been my father, Charlie. He and my mom gave over 50 years of service to the Roberts Lions Club, selflessly offering their time and resources to improve the lives of others. When my dad passed, I was deeply moved by the stories neighbors and friends shared about his quiet acts of generosity—deeds done not for recognition, but from the kindness of his heart. That legacy of humility and giving inspired Carolyn and me to launch the Grupe Armbruster Family Foundation. It’s our way of continuing that tradition—an endowment created to support our communities well into the future. We’re proud to have three nieces and nephews who share our values and are ready to carry this mission forward for generations to come.

Why We Give

Mission

The Grupe Armbruster Family Foundation exists to spark change by supporting remarkable people and unique ideas that make a tangible and personal impact in the St. Croix Valley and surrounding areas.

Vision

To further a world where creativity and ambition are met with the resources to create a ripple effect of good deeds and meaningful, lasting change.

Our 2025 Pillars of Giving

  • Children

    By supporting children, we help build strong foundations for tomorrow’s leaders, dreamers, and innovators. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a supportive environment.

  • Nature

    Protecting and restoring nature ensures a healthier planet and a more sustainable world for generations to come. By caring for the environment today, we safeguard the beauty and resources of tomorrow.

  • Ripple Effect Fund

    Good deeds remind us that even small acts of kindness can create meaningful change. Through this initiative, we encourage people to become agents of positive change in their communities by considering needs beyond their own.