Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Josephine Gruhn
1927 - 2015
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Tuesday, July 30, 2019
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The family of Josephine Gruhn uploaded a photo
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
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Gay Coombs posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
I just learned of Josephine's death today. What an impact she had on so many lives. As I read these tributes, I realized what a treasure she was to so many, and how fortunate I was to have known her the short time I was a 'summer person' at the lake. My sister, Hila Dana, invited me to be a part of some Spirit Lake retired elementary teachers who met for lunch every Monday. Josephine was like the president of the Lunch Bunch and entertained us often in her farm home and/or the lake house. I loved her stories of the interesting and involved life she lived. Thank you God, for people like Josephine who made the world so much brighter. She will be missed.
Gay Coombs Council Bluffs, Iowa
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carol mitchell coleman posted a condolence
Saturday, April 18, 2015
I really enjoyed it when she would substitute for one of our teachers in school. She made school fun...And later in life you could always count on a big smile from her at the green house...We will miss her.
Carol Mitchell Coleman
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Jacki Marderness posted a condolence
Saturday, April 11, 2015
So. Sorry Sandy to hear of josephines passing. While working at Welcov I really enjoyed her smile and our littlechats. My husband Scott and I will surely miss her. Scott and Jacki Marderness
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deanne Anderson posted a condolence
Saturday, April 11, 2015
great memories of a great lady. No matter what you got a great smile from her.
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Jo Ann Zimmerman posted a condolence
Friday, April 10, 2015
Josephine and I were elected to the Iowa House of Representatives the same year 1982. I once asked Jo why she ran for office. She stated when her husband died, the dairy coop refused to recognize her as the co-owner with equal standing with her husband. This left her high and dry with a dairy farm, so she fought for equal access to the coop--then went on to run for the Iowa House. Interesting that many of us women ran for office because tradition had limited our access to occupations, property, etc. Jo sat in front of me in the Iowa Hose and we served together on the Agriculture Committee. She became a good friend.
She was a fighter--and a negotiator. She negotiated with the Iowa Fair Board to change from their traditional Sept dates to the August dates we have now. And with school entities for the trade-off of school start dates coming after the Iowa State Fair. Rural youth, their education, and their opportunity to participate in the Fair were very important to her.
I will miss knowing I could always contact her to talk politics.
Jo Ann Zimmerman
former Lt. Governor, President of the Senate
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Stetzel family lit a candle
Friday, April 10, 2015
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Dear Gruhn family,
We have many fond memories of Josephine as a true friend and neighbor. She always was so upbeat and positive. She always had a story to tell and a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed.
The Stetzel family
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Dennis Tangeman posted a condolence
Friday, April 10, 2015
To the Gruhn Family,
I first met Josephine at a Democratic District convention in the early 1980's and was so impressed with her knowledge and enthusiasm that got me interested in the workings of our political system. It was because of her encouragement that I ran for the State House and latter for the State Senate in the late 80's. She was a very great person and I will always remember her. I sure that She is still watching over us now.
Dennis Tangeman Mooresville NC.
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Bob and Connie Peters lit a candle
Thursday, April 9, 2015
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Bob And Connie Peters lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Wanda Jackson Greig lit a candle
Thursday, April 9, 2015
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Wanda Jackson Greig lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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lynne Moeller posted a condolence
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Abby is a PE instructor at Okoboji HS. She joined Calvary and was immediately drawn into the "teacher's corner" with Jo & Bill & Bill Fredin. Jo loved sharing memories and advice with the young teacher. Bill passed away last year.
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Marsha (Olson) Smeltzer posted a condolence
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Thoughts and prayers going out to all of you. We enjoyed talking with your Mom as we visited my Mom at Welcov. We had some fun afternoon conversations over coffee! She was a vibrant woman who had great stories to tell!
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Adam Hietbrink lit a candle
Thursday, April 9, 2015
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To the Gruhn Family,
. Josephine was quite a character she was always on the go and had a great spirit. She also was very patient with me. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Adam Hietbrink
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Kevin T. Kuehl lit a candle
Thursday, April 9, 2015
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Kevin T. Kuehl lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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JANE MATTHEWS lit a candle
Thursday, April 9, 2015
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JANE MATTHEWS lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Jack Hatch posted a condolence
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Josephine was patient with me when I first arrived at the Iowa House. I was so impressed with her knowledge of education policy and how her work directly benefited children. I learned so much from this gentle warrior.
Jack Hatch,
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Layton W. Vick posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
To the best 2nd grade teacher ever, and a great legislator and a super caring person. There were none better!!
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Tim Newbrough lit a candle
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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Tim Newbrough lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Layton W. Vick lit a candle
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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Layton W. Vick lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Janine Gapinski lit a candle
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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Janine Gapinski lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Jeannie Carney posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Jo was such a dear friend to my Mom as well as a fellow teacher. Rest in Peace Mrs. Gruhn. She was loved by many.
Jeannie (Dana) and Charlie Carney
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Bob @ Jacky Samuelson posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
We have known and loved Josephine for 45 years, ever since we spent summers living at Harlan Beach , our trailer home was directly across from Steve, one of our highlights was watching for Jo to come by on her bike. She was never idle, always had time for desserts. After Harlan Beach closed we kept in touch. We always came up for her birthday and visited her in the late summer. We loved her like family. This picture is her, always a smile, never even a complaint. We have so many wonderful memories, hard to put them all down, Our loss and your loss is God's gain. Praise the Lord for her most full and rewarding life. God's greatest blessings to all of you. This world was a greater place with Josephine Gruhn in it for nearly 88 wonderfull and productive years. Praise the Lord, With much love, Bob and Jacky Samuelson, Clarinda, Iowa
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Renee Juza posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
To the Gruhn family--Josephine was such a pleasure to just sit and talk to. She was full of stories of family, what was going on at the lake and anything you wanted to talk about. She was always outside doing something, mowing, chasing cows, raking or planning flowers. She was truly a Great person and will be missed.
Mike and Renee Juza
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Mandy Rae lit a candle
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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Mandy Rae lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Wayne and Diana Doocy Koppen posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
To the Gruhn family-- we have such fond memories of Josephine (Mrs. Gruhn) as a substitute teacher, Iowa politician, and has a good person! She always had a smile for all, and she always fought for the "little people." What an amazing lady! Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
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Debbie Godbold Bahr posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Have known Josephine for so many years! She always had a smile on her face. When I was working at the hospital in Spirit Lake it was always refreshing and fun to see her. Your family was blessed as were those of us lucky enough to have had in her in our lives.
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Linda L Butcher-Christoffer lit a candle
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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Keeping all you kids in our thoughts and prayers...Jo was a special lady inside and out. I remember neighborhood card parties with our parents, the Friendship Club, 4-H Club Minnewaukon Maidens, our dads in the hog crate, all the farm cats, and just her special way of loving us. She was the best SLHS Government teacher for the class of 1979.....
Love and peace to you all....
The Butcher and Christoffer Families
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Mike Banks posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
My family met Josephine through my mother Jacque, who is also a "pink lady". Josie is truly going to be missed. She was a great, kind and generous person who put every ounce of her tiny frame into everything that she did. Her humor and attitude on life were truly infectious! The Good Lord really gained a Great Spirit in Josie this past week. Our prayers go out to the Gruhn family in your loss. Mike and Dawn Banks and family
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Stephanie Heitman Manning posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Jo Gruhn, a friend, a mentor, a confidant! I was priveleged to serve as her campaign manager for her first election to the state legislator and the experiences we shared will live in my memories forever. I will always remember her driving her little red tractor in the many parades in Dickinson and Emmett County. She grew to know my entire family and I grew to know hers. She made the effort to attend my wedding 5 years ago and sent an anniversary card each year since then. I am a better, more informed woman because of Jo Gruhn. My sincere condolences to her children, her grandchildren, and all those who loved her. The world is a better place because of her life. We lost a treasure!!!
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Sheryl Tenney Ogle lit a candle
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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Sheryl Tenney Ogle lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Rose and Dean Dudley posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
May God's loving arms surround you at this special time. Heaven has definitely gained a wonderful lady. She will be greatly missed,
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Tony and Judy Olson lit a candle
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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Tony And Judy Olson lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Nancy Larsen posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Josephine was a beautiful person in mind, body, and spirit. She made a contribution to every one of the numerous organizations of which she was a part. A conversation with her always left you feeling uplifted, and a little better informed!
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Teresa Clark posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
One time I was 16 or 17, I was in line trying to get a duplicate driver's license. My wallet had been stolen after a Pan Am Club trip to Minneapolis. I didn't have the money to pay for it, without missing a beat, Josephine pulled out the money and paid for it. Thank God she was standing right behind me. But then again, Josephine was always like that. She ALWAYS had your back. She always had a smile, words of encouragement, etc for anyone and everyone. She was a true treasure for us all and the community. She will greatly be missed. To her family, so sorry for your loss. from Dad, Glen Dean, and myself.
Teresa Dean Clark
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Ron & Kris Walker lit a candle
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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Ron & Kris Walker lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Ruth Albrant lit a candle
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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I had the privilege to visit with Josephine many times when she was a pink lady. What a Go Getter she was! She had So much love for people, and for life! She will be Missed!
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Rhonda Hilliard Meyer lit a candle
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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Rhonda Hilliard Meyer lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Rachelle posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
I have shared many good discussions with Josie over the years both at Calvary and Pearson Lakes Art Center. She will be missed!
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Larry/Mary Ann Jansen lit a candle
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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Larry/Mary Ann Jansen lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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karen krieger posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Jo Gruhn was a great friend, colleage, and educator . I met her through the Spirit Lake School system. She was a delightful , gracious lady, and loved to bring cheer throiugh out her life. Jo was a " one of a kind" . She will be missed by the whole community as she gave it her all.
Karen Krieger
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Shelly (Gilbert) Jacobson posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
So sorry to hear about your mom. I remember her from the Arnolds Park United Methodist Church. Also have fond memories of the Sanfords and the cottages. Your mom taught this city kid about soybeans and farm life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Shelly (Gilbert) Jacobson
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Colleen Frederick lit a candle
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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Colleen Frederick lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Bill and Marcie Frevert posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Iowa has lost a good public servant. We knew Josephine as a state representative who served everyone capably with a smile and a kind word after she had listened to the concern. Sincerey sympathy to her family. Bill and Marcie Frevert
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Josephine Gruhn.
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Mary McClurg lit a candle
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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Mary McClurg lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Joan Dreith posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Just wanted you to know I will be thinking of you during this time of your sorrow. Joan Dreith
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Dayle Broocks lit a candle
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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Sandy and family,
I was very sad to hear about Josephine. I just talked to her not long ago at the hospital. She was an awesome lady and touched alot of lives.
My sympathy to your family.
Dayle
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Kevin Godfredsen posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Steve and family, Sorry to hear of your mom. As often as our class needed her as a sub @ school thru all our years, it was almost like we had her as a full time teacher. Always nice and certainly part of my life.
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Sally Christensen DeLoss posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Steve, so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was a wonderful person. She has touched so many people's lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.
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Barb (Wycoff) Carter lit a candle
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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My deepest sympathies to the Gruhn family. Josephine was a great lady & will be missed vey much !
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Mark Neustrom lit a candle
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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My sincere condolences to Mrs. Gruhn's family. She was a wonderful lady.
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Alesia Ferguson lit a candle
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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Alesia Ferguson lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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JERI LOWRY lit a candle
Monday, April 6, 2015
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JERI LOWRY lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Brian Dreeszen posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
Ma, I know that somewhere up above you know how much you meant to everyone. Having known you all my life. I can say the only feeling I ever felt from you was love and happiness. Nothing seemed to keep you down. May my path cross again someday. I'll always remember you Ma.
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Cindy wilson posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Josephine's family. I always enjoyed our visits in the grocery stores or when she was a "Pink Lady" at the Hospital. Her smile and friendship will be
greatly missed by people in this area. I will keep you my prayers and heart.
Cindy Wilson
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Gary & Cathy Cohrs lit a candle
Monday, April 6, 2015
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Gary & Cathy Cohrs lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Kristi Cooper posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
Our deepest condolences to Josephine's family. She was an amazing community minded woman who served well in the legislature, an advocate for family farms and sustainable agriculture, a woman who lived in the present and planned for the future. Josephine was a good friend of my parents, Dean and Ann Wallace. Many will miss her!
Kristi Wallace Coooper
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Jess & Marlys Nichols lit a candle
Monday, April 6, 2015
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Jess & Marlys Nichols lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Carmen Wiese posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
My sympathy goes out to the family. When I think of her, a smile overcomes me. I know she has touched so many lives that it would be hard to list all the ways, but what a delight, what a sense of humor, what a wonderful person!
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Nancy Lago Reiman lit a candle
Monday, April 6, 2015
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Nancy Lago Reiman lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Abby Goodlaxson posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
What a special lady! I always looked forward to attending church because I sat in the "teacher's corner" with Jo and the rest of the hooligans. Jo made me feel so special and she always gave me her lending ear. Her smile and laugh is what I'll miss the most! What an impact she had on my life and so many other's lives! She will truly be missed, but her legacy lives on....
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Brenda Tenney lit a candle
Monday, April 6, 2015
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Brenda Tenney lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Jeff Newell posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
Josephine was a substitute teacher while I was growing up and she was always one we looked forward to having. She was always such a nice person and you could tell she truly enjoyed what she was doing.
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Dean L Wolterman lit a candle
Monday, April 6, 2015
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Dean L Wolterman lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Aleta Myers posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
Josephine was a neighbor, teacher friend and role model for women. I always admired how she continued on after losing her husband too soon. How she made a difference in people's lives locally and statewide. I loved how she made everyone she met feel special. I wanted to name a daughter after her...however, I had 3 boys. I will always cherish her smile and laughter.
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Greg Stevens posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
I remember her driving her tractor in the parades, and my mom knocking doors with her. She was happier for those around her for their success than she ever was for her own. She was a wonderful woman who taught me so much.
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Laurie Russell Huseman posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
Josephine. A woman to be admired. Thank you, Josephine, for so many things....
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Jane Kauzlarich posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
Every other Sunday, Josie would say to me, "Heading north?" This meant that she and I would attend the Unitarian Fellowship after worshiping at Calvary Methodist. One time at UU, Josie shared readings and thoughts about living and dying. Her basic message was: "Live now." And Josephine certainly did that. I am honored to have been her friend.
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Sandra posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs. Gruhn. I have great memories of her teaching in school and also being so helpful and kind in the plant shop. What a very sweet woman. She will be missed. Hugs to each of you. May God help you through this difficult time.
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Peggy Rick posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
Jo has been such an impact on many people's lives. I remember her way back in '72 giving me ideas and confidence in the field of education. She will be truly missed. Another angel in heaven. Hugs and prayers.
Peg Rick
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Mike Sorensen posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
So many good memories of Jo. She was a lovely person and will be missed.
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Dave and Kathy Perkins lit a candle
Monday, April 6, 2015
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Dave And Kathy Perkins lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Susan and Dean Reiser lit a candle
Monday, April 6, 2015
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Josephine and I had an interesting discussion about the seatbelt law. Although we didn't see eye to eye, we agreed it was okay to disagree and remain friends. She was a great representative.
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Kent & Jo Kastrup lit a candle
Monday, April 6, 2015
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Kent & Jo Kastrup lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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Bill & Bonnie Duhn lit a candle
Monday, April 6, 2015
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Bill & Bonnie Duhn lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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ron crowley posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2015
Jo was great neighbor and friend. I always enjoyed visiting with her at her home or at township board meetings. I will truly miss her. God bless you Josephine .
Ron and Sharon Crowley
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Doug &Sally Kness lit a candle
Monday, April 6, 2015
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Doug &Sally Kness lit a candle in memory of Josephine Gruhn
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