Funeral services for Jeffrey S. Gruhlke, 64, of Estherville, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 15, 2024, at the Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville. Interment will be at Superior Township Cemetery, Superior. He passed away at his home in Estherville on April 7, 2024.
Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m., Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville.
Jeffrey S. Gruhlke, son of Marvin and Audra (Kern) Gruhlke, was born on June 1, 1959 in Estherville, Iowa.
Jeff attended and graduated from Estherville High School. He worked for the ELC Schools as a janitor for 15 years. In 2016, he started working at ILCC as a “flat surface engineer”, getting ready to retire in June.
Gruke was an avid sports fan. Jeff could be found in the top row of the stands at most of the sporting events at ELC and ILCC. He loved to follow the Iowa Hawkeyes sports teams and was preparing to co-coach a travelling youth baseball team with a friend this summer.
Jeff enjoyed a night of karaoke, so much so that he ran Big Gruke Karaoke for many years. He enjoyed fishing, trapping with his dad and brothers, and exploring the outdoors – especially the Big Horn Mountains. Some would be surprised to know that he was a certified scuba diver, traveling to the Cayman Islands many times to dive. He not only loved the ocean, but a day on the lake, friends on his boat, and a drink with a splash of rum, always brought out a smile and good time.
To Jeff family was very important, supporting his nieces and nephews in their events along the way. He was a great son to his mother, making it a point to take her for weekly Sunday drives and dinner, after his dad passed away. At Christmas time, he would dress up as Santa for family and friend’s gatherings, bringing smiles and wonder to many children. He was always on time and would leave you if you were late.
Jeff is survived by his mother Aud Gruhlke of Estherville, his siblings Joleen (Steve) Planting of Estherville, David (Michelle) Gruhlke of Estherville, Mike (LeAnn) Gruhlke of Jackson, MN, and Rick Gruhlke (Mindy Ehlers) of Estherville. He will also be fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
Jeff is preceded in death by his father Marvin.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
