Robert Lee Grulke

Robert Lee Grulke, age 79, of Menasha, passed away into the arms of God during the early hours of Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital.

He was born in Lebanon, WI on February 17, 1929 to Emil and Charlotte (Andrews) Grulke and was one of 10 children. He graduated from Watertown High School and later attended Northwest College and the University of WI, Milwaukee, obtaining a Masters degree in Education. He went on to marry Elaine Wentland of Deerfield, WI at St. John's Lutheran Church in Dubuque, IA on March 1, 1959. They then moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where they had three children and then later moved to Menasha, WI where they currently still reside.

At a young age, Bob showed promise as one of Dodge Counties “Wiz Kids.” He also went on to receive the Joe Davies scholarship award for select high school students in and around Watertown. Upon completion of high school, Bob wrote the highest biology college admissions scores of that time.

After graduating from college, at the age of 18, Bob became a teacher and principal in Waukesha County, WI earning the prestigious placement of one of the top three principals in the State of WI. During his tenure as a principal he also co-authored a book, “Guide to Superintendency for School Administrators in Waukesha County.”

Upon retirement from the school system, he went on to work for the leading educational publisher, Prentice Hall, becoming one of the top three sales people in the company.

Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman and it was often said that he was most happy fishing for bluegills with his fly rod. He also loved gardening, photography, and all animals and birds in general. Hardly ever seen without his dogs, we know that they will all be happy to greet him again.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of almost 50 years, Elaine Grulke and dear father to their three children: Forrest (Rebecca) Grulke, Plover, WI; Nancy Wissell, Vernon Hills, IL; and Tracy (Dan) Curtin, Hortonville, WI; 7 grandchildren: Krystyna, Bryttany, Barrett, Hayden, Mackenzie, Alexis, and Madison.

Surviving siblings and in-laws: Emil Jr. (Betty), Marvin, Cheryl (Harry) Haapala, Stuart, Kathy (Ron) Schuman, William Jordan, and Margo Grulke.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Emil and Charlotte Grulke; Barbara Jordan, George Grulke, Phyllis McCuen, and Joanne Kreitzer.

A celebration of Bob's life will we held on Thursday, November 13 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at the Wichmann Funeral Home Tri-County Chapel (3212 S Oneida Street, Menasha). Church services will take place on Friday, November 14, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lebanon, Wisconsin and a visitation will be available Friday morning from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church. Bob will also be receiving graveside military rights for his work in the Naval Reserves. Interment will take place in the Kroughville Lutheran Moravian Cemetery in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Fox Valley Humane Association.

Wichmann Funeral Home
Tri County Chapel
3212 S. Oneida Street
Menasha 831-9905
Online Condolences
www.wichmannfargo.com