Obituary of Gladys Gruenke

Gladys Gruenke (nee Kroeker) was born on her parent's farm in Rosenort, Manitoba on November 24, 1943. She later moved to Dominion City when she got married and lived there until her passing on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. Gladys was predeceased by her parents Frank and Annie Kroeker, her brother-in-law Doug Gruenke, and her mother and father-in-law, Albert and Arla Gruenke. Left to cherish her memory are: her devoted husband Ken of over 50 years, son Vince Gruenke and special friend Tara, daughter Dixie Mazinke and husband Wayne Mazinke and their three children Logan, Jaeda and Peyton, brothers Norm Kroeker and wife Laurette, Irvin Kroeker and wife Sylvia, Jerry Kroeker and wife Val and sisters Helen Kroeker and Marianne Peters and husband Larry, along with many nieces and nephews. At a very young age, the farm life introduced her to the meaning of a "hard days work" and there was never a challenge or task she couldn't conquer-from turning out an endless supply of flawless cherry pies to working side by side with her husband Ken on the farm and in the field. While attending school in Rosenort, Gladys often pushed her brothers to their limit by challenging them to a race on the way to school. Gladys worked painting houses in Rosenort and when the opportunity arose, Gladys relocated to Winnipeg to attend nursing school where she proudly earned the title of "LPN" and briefly worked at the Grace Hospital before meeting the love of her life in the summer of '69. Gladys also held different jobs at St. Malo Sewing Factory, Roseau Valley Collegiate and Emerson Milling where she enjoyed making new friends. Ken and Gladys met on a blind date where they went miniature golfing. their courtship was very short and they were married on June 13, 1970. Gladys continued her "labor of love" working alongside her husband Ken for many years on the family farm building a legacy which has been passed down to their children and grandchildren. One of the proudest moments in Gladys' life was the birth of her two children Vincent and Dixie! Many years later, she was also blessed with the arrival of three grandchildren, who always remained her pride and joy. Many miles were travelled across Manitoba as she and Ken attended hockey games, theatre productions, dance recitals and baseball games. Gladys delighted in celebrating many milestones throughout her lifetime, the most recent being the surprise celebration of her and Ken's 50th wedding anniversary on June 13, 2020. Surrounded by the love and presence of family and friends, a celebration was held at their home where they received many thoughtful gifts. Gladys cherished all times she was able to spend with family and friends and did not take it for granted. She especially loved the time spent with her siblings and talked often about the special times they had together-one such being the 75th surprise birthday party they pulled over on their dear mother Annie! Gladys so appreciated every one of her siblings and their families, and even though the distance was great between some of them, the bond they shared was ever so strong. Gladys was a "true farm wife and mom" to the very end and that showed as she was at the farm each and every day during harvest in case she was needed to drive Vince home from the field, or prepare a chicken burger meal into the late hours of the evening. Gladys delighted in working alongside her husband, her children and her grandchildren. A very special memory she cherished this summer was bringing out the harvest supper and snacks to the field where her "whole crew" were working together. Even though she didn't get to be on a combine herself, she loved seeing Ken teaching Jaeda, Dixie teaching Peyton, and Logan all combining together while Vince was running non-stop with the grain trucks trying to keep up with the combines! She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to spend time with them, whether it be the countless sleepovers they had together, baking, gardening, playing board games or watching movies. She loved spending time with all her family, inviting them over and preparing a wonderful meal and strawberry cheesecake for dessert. Two days before her passing, she was outside teaching Vince and Tara how to rake leaves in her yard. One thing will never change throughout her life was her faith and love for Jesus and it was strong right until her passing. She loved children and spent many years teaching Sunday School and helping in Children's Church. She was a Godly woman who was humble, faithful, and a loyal friend and family member. She was never one to complain and didn't want to burden anyone with her sickness or pain. She led by example and showed us what a loving wife, partner, mother, grandmother and friend looked like. Gladys we will cherish the time God gave us with you, and thank you for the example you set for us. Until we meet again, we love you!. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Gladys can be made to the Dominion City Volunteer Fire Department (Box 34, Dominion City, MB R0A 0H0). The family would like to thank the neighbors, Perry and Cole Scott, Jennifer Slaney and Jeff French, the Dominion City Fire Department, paramedics, caring doctors, nurses and staff at the Altona Community Memorial Health Centre, and the doctors and staff at Boundary Trails CancerCare, who were there for Gladys on October 20. Special neighbors Dave and Bev for your ongoing love and support, Pastor Barry Thiessen, the many friends and neighbors who sent cards, meals and condolences and Corey Wall of Morris Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place at the Dominion City Cemetery. A celebration of her life will take place at future date. Rest in peace Gladys, until we meet again.