Shirlene Kuuleilani Gruelke, 81

Shirlene Kuuleilani Gruelke, age 81, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the daughter of Lee E. and Delores (Kanealii) Bowen, on January 14, 1944, in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

In her teenage years, Shirlene moved to Shell Rock, Iowa, where she met Michael Krull, whom she later married.  The couple were blessed with three children.  Shirlene and Michael divorced.  Shirlene was later united in marriage with LaVarne Gruelke in Hampton, Iowa.

Shirlene was a hard worker and through the years she was employed at several places, some of her occupations were a sales associate, a welder and a bartender.  

Shirlene was a member of the Church of Christ in Clarksville and their Ladies Group.  She was also a member of the Rebekah’s.  Shirlene enjoyed cooking and baking.  She was known to be funny, strong-willed and a colorful soul.  Shirlene was very family-oriented and loved attending Trevor’s figure 8 races and all her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Shirlene died on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Clarksville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Clarksville, of natural causes.  Shirlene was preceded in death by her husband of 14 years, LaVarne Gruelke on June 1, 2022; her parents, Lee and Delores Bowen; two sisters, Ruby Momi Estabillo and Sam Phillips; and one brother, Jim Quisano

Shirlene is survived by two daughters, Cheryl Upah of Texas and TeriLea (Brian) Vance of Clarksville; one son, Kelvin (Tammy) Krull of Clarksville; six grandchildren, Trevor (Kayla) Vance and Jadie Smoot, Sara (Joe) Harrington, Krystal (Jason) Davis; Kurt Krull, Mariah (Brandon Zell) Krull; 16 great grandchildren; two brothers, Wayne (Ronnie) Bowen, of California and Bryan (Sarah) Bowen of Pennsylvania; four sisters, Vilma Nishimura, Leatrice Higashi, Johnette Bowen-Worrell of all of Hawaii and Lynn (Gary) Bennett of Michigan; one sister-in-law, Kathy Quisano of California; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Clarksville.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com