Gladys Ann Grulke

Our beloved mother, Gladys Ann “GG” Grulke passed away peacefully at Hartland Place in Hartland, WI with her family and Lily Hospice by her side on November 14, 2024 at the age of 95.

She was born on September 1, 1929 to Arnold and Adela Hill in Kenosha, WI. She met Ted on a blind date on February 23, 1947. They wrote letters to each other weekly after their meeting as Ted lived in Oconomowoc. She saved all these letters. They got engaged on her birthday, September 1 of that year and married one year later on September 25, 1948. She lost the love of her life in 2007 after 59 years of marriage. Together they had 5 children Donna (Paul) Eng, Linda (Ken) Gardner, Dee (Kurt) Bence, Dean (Jennifer) Grulke and Lois (Scott) Kramm; 9 grandchildren Ryan (Erika) Eng, Annie (Luke) Eng, Robert (Jess) Gardner, Taylor (Josh) Bence, Adam (Mandy) Grulke, Brent (Alicia) Grulke, Courtney (John) McCool, Scott Kramm and Lyndsee (Brad) Smith; 10 great-grandchildren Lily, Ady, Kayel, Ruby, Austin, Iris, Asher, Grayson, KJ and Connor; 2 devoted friends Ardy and Grace; and other relatives and friends. She will be missed by all who loved and met her.

Gladys was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her, offering support, wisdom and love in abundance. A friend of many, leaving a legacy of kindness and strength. Having the biggest home and yard on South Street, their home was the gathering place for every holiday, shower party, fish fry, kick the can, capture the flag, and was the neighborhood hangout.

Throughout her life she worked at Ben Franklin in Oconomowoc for 33 years. She was an avid bowler of the Thursday night ladies group at Maple Bowl in Oconomowoc. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing, canning, frying countless fish and making fish fry’s from Ted’s daily catch. She also made sauerkraut, bread and pie crusts from scratch that were so delicious, as well as homemade donuts that we called a “substantial breakfast.”

Gladys is preceded in death by her parents, sister June, husband Ted, son Dean-O, son-in-law Ken and other dear family and friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Lily Hospice for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Dr. Martin Luther Church in Glady’s name are welcome.

As we mourn the loss of GG, let us also celebrate the joy she brought to so many with a visitation from 11:30am-1:30pm at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (NEW LOCATION: 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) on Friday, November 22, 2024 followed by a service. GG will be laid to rest at Glenview Memorial Gardens.

We love and miss you Mom and we will honor your legacy.