Betty Jean Grulke of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Kelley, Iowa passed away April 13, 2023.  Survivors include Emil, husband of 72 years, son, David Grulke (Linda) of West Allis, Wisconsin, daughter, Dawn Grulke Hysler of Cedar Rapids, daughter-in-law, Lisa Forschler of Oskaloosa and sister, Carol Manske (Marvin) of Kelley.  She is also survived by eleven grandchildren – Beth Trippe (Don), Joy Mick (Neil), Laurel Grulke, Heather Wild (Seth), Carl Grulke (Kelsey), Lisette Metz Grulke, Jeremy Gruettner, Matthew Grulke, Lane Johnson (Mike), Caleb Grulke (Kelsey), and Luther Grulke (Lauren) and sixteen great grandchildren.

Betty was born January 14, 1931 to Luther and Minerva Severtson in Prairie Garden township in Story County, Iowa.  She graduated from Kelley Consolidated High School in 1948 and attended Drake University.  She married Emil Grulke on July 1, 1950.  They had four children.  She lived most of her life on the farm near Kelley.  After raising her children, she worked at Polk City Savings Bank and Garst Seed Company in Slater until her retirement.

Family was everything to Betty and she especially loved babies, and rejoiced as each grandchild was born.  She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Kelley, where she was active in choir, women's circle and quilters.  She was also a member of the Ames Chapter of Questers International.

In 2013, she moved to Cedar Rapids as her health declined to be near Dawn.  She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, and 2 children, Darlyn Grulke Sparr, and Dennis Grulke.  Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Marion, Iowa.  Burial will be at Slater Cemetery in Slater, Iowa.

Memorials may be made to Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa or a charity of the donor's choice.

Memories of Betty can be read at https://bigdaves.com/memories-of-gram/ on her son David's website.