Mark Gruhn

Mark Alan, son of Lyle and Leora (Petersen) Gruhn, was born September 1, 1956, at Manning, Iowa. He lived with his family in the country near Manilla, then lived in town from the time he was five years old. Mark's life can be summarized by saying he was "all in" with everything he did. He was first team all-conference in three sports his senior year at Manilla High School in 1974. While attending Iowa State University, he walked on and earned a spot on the basketball team as a starter on the JV squad. He scored 18 points in a game at the University of Iowa. After Mark lost his right hand in an accident in the late 1970's, he went "all in" playing chess, shooting pool and following a career in the agricultural seed business. Mark worked as the agronomist for Sucrosco Seeds, as well as being involved in their research, product selection and sales meetings. In similar capacities, he also served Mid-West Seed Genetics, Stauffer Seeds, Syngenta and most recently Dow AgroSciences. Mark was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Celtics and Iowa State Cyclones. He was pretty darn good at golf and expressed himself privately though his poetry. Most importantly, Mark was "all in" believing that Jesus was his Savior. Toward the end of his life Mark's bucket list was short. Once he knew that Katie and Josh were "all in" with Jesus, too, he had peace of mind and was ready to go. Mark died at home in Glidden, Iowa, on Monday, September 2, 2013. He was 57 years and 1 day of age. Preceding Mark in death are his parents. He is survived by his children Katie Gruhn and Josh Gruhn, both of Carroll; brothers Nyle Gruhn of Manilla and Garry Gruhn of Story City; other relatives and many friends. Mark's family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Iowa Hospice organization. Music "JUST AS I AM, WITHOUT ONE PLEA" "I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES" "AMAZING GRACE" CARLYS STRIBE, ACCOMPANIST Casket Bearers ROB LUETH LARRY STRACKE DAVID WILLIAMSON DENNY KASPERBAUER BILL BADDING DAN SWALLA Interment NISHNABOTNA CEMETERY NEAR MANILLA, IOWA