Darlene Mae Gruis

October 1, 1939 - July 10, 2014

Darlene (Vulk) Gruis, 74, died unexpectedly after a short, but very brave battle with leukemia at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN, on Thursday, July 10, 2014. Online condolences may be left at www.Fullertonfh.com. Visitation will be held Sunday, July 13, 2014 at Fullerton Funeral Home in Rockford from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 14, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Roseville Catholic Church, 105 N Main St, Roseville, IA. Monsignor Walter Brunkan will be officiating. Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Rockford, Iowa. In expression of sympathy memorials may be directed to the family. Darlene was born October 1st, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Joe and Mary (Kordas) Vulk. The family later moved to Osage, Iowa in 1948, which was the hometown of her parents. She entered school in Osage and graduated from Osage High School in 1957. After graduation she went to work at Marrs Knitting Mill as a flat knitter. On June 21st, 1958 she married John “Junior” Gruis of Rockford, Iowa. They made their home in Rockford and to this union two children were born. Scott Allen Gruis was born March 16th, 1959 and Julie Ann Gruis (Salisbury) was born August 13th, 1965. She became a stay at home mom until both children entered school. She then became employed by Trettin Hatchery and Poultry Farm for nine years before returning to Osage to work at the Fox River Mill where she was again a flat knitter. After being laid off she went into retail and worked at Fashion Bug where she worked for 25 years and then retired. Darlene enjoyed the company of her house cat Biscuit and her best friend Gordetta Hunt whom she visited with daily on the phone if not in person. She had a great love for animals and always made sure that any stray that appeared on her deck did not leave hungry. She loved to go shopping, to the casino, movies, and dancing. She also enjoyed traveling to Texas and Mexico. Darlene is survived by her two children Scott (Cheryl) Gruis of Rockford, Julie (Doug) Salisbury of Nora Springs, five grandchildren Bryce (Michelle) Rosel of Waukee, Spenser Gruis and fiancée Amy Hild of Rockford, Nick Salisbury and girlfriend Katie McColloch of Fertile, Kaycee Salisbury and fiancée David Hamand of Kensett, and Sawyer Salisbury of Nora Springs, Three great grandchildren, Lindsay, Ryan and Nathan Rosel of Waukee, her brother Joe (Bev) Vulk of Osage, several nieces, nephews and cousins as well as her very special friend Terry Miller of Charles City. She was preceded in death by her husband, John “Junior” Gruis and her parents Joe and Mary Vulk. Arrangements are with Fullerton Schumburg Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 302 West Main, Rockford, Iowa 50468 641-756-3311, www.Fullertonfh.com