Kenneth Michael Gruhlke

Ken Gruhlke of Rush City, died unexpectedly Sunday Feb. 14, 2010 while skiing in the Chengwatana State Park east of Pine City, MN. at the age of 62 years. Ken was born in Hayfield, MN, July 8, 1947 to Audrey (Johnson) and Leo Gruhlke. In 1954 Audrey married Henry Holien, who owned the local tavern in town. They decided a tavern was no place to raise three boys, so they began searching for another business. Their search led them to trading the bar for the general store in Henriette, MN in 1956. Ken was big brother to Tom, Bryan, Terry and Dave Holien. Ken graduated from Pine City High School in 1965 and then attended Pine Tech for drafting. From 1967-69 he worked for Arcon Construction and then moved to the Twin Cities and worked for D.W. Harstad for five years. On October 2, 1971 he married Bonnie Perron. They became the proud parents of two terrific sons; Jon born October 10, 1973 and Jeff born October 11, 1974. In 1974 he also began working for Schmidt brewery in St. Paul. Ken held many positions at Schmidt. His most cherished unofficial position was “taste tester”. He loved to tell of the many antics he and his co-workers did at work and outside of work. Lay-offs in the late 80’s provided him opportunities to try other jobs between the occasional call backs to the brewery. He roofed homes, worked in a box factory and was a custodian in the Mounds View Schools. A teacher at one of the schools led him to a custodial position at Nativity Lutheran Church in St. Anthony Village. Along with his custodial duties he was the “Hospitality Pastor”, as he was usually the first person church members, day care parents or members of the community met. At funerals or other gatherings at the church he often conversed with folks who he found had some connection to him or someone he knew. His infectious smile and love of people provided him with 16 plus years of meaningful work that he took great pride in. Ken’s hospitality and unending willingness to lend a hand led him to Cathy (Bloomquist), Nativity’s Day Care Center Director. One Saturday (his day off) when the Center was holding a rummage sale fundraiser, he stopped to visit and say, “I will gladly pay you tomorrow for a Pepsi today”. A brief downpour near the end of the sale caused him to hang around to assist Cathy taking down the rummage sale. Ken invited Cathy to a local establishment for an adult beverage. Cathy, in her gratefulness, bought him pizza and beer. They married a year later on August 29, 1998. Ken and Cathy, along with her sons, Ben and Blake Bloomquist, moved to Rush City in April of 2000. Ken was an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church. He became a member of the Rush City Lions in 2004 and was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award in 2009. Ken’s many hobbies included drinking beer, socializing with family and friends, camping, following Nascar, gardening and feeding the birds. Ken’s life touched many. His love for people, his welcoming smile, his hearty handshake or hug will be greatly missed by all who knew Ken! Ken is survived by his wife Cathy, sons Jon Gruhlke and Sam Scheid of Lino Lakes, Jeff Gruhlke of Wyoming, Ben Bloomquist, Blake Bloomquist both of Rush City, his brothers Tom Holien and wife Renee of Ham Lake, Bryan Holien of Foreston, Terry Holien and wife Patti of Phoenix AZ. ,David Holien and wife Robyn of Columbus Township and many nieces and nephews. Rev. Laurie O’Shea officiated at funeral services for Ken Gruhlke of Rush City; 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City. Music was provided by organist Dianne Kirchberg, pianist Rev. Laurie O'Shea and soloist Jade Kiristofferson. Honorary casket bearers included the Rush City Area Lions and the active casket bearers were his brothers Tom, Bryan, Terry, David Holien, cousin Dave Grande and good friend Tim Carlson. The interment was in the First Lutheran Cemetery of Rush City. Memorials are preferred.