Ganette Lucile Gruwell, 101, of Des Moines, IA passed away on October 19, 2022, at Ramsey village in Des Moines, IA. A visitation will be at 10:00 AM with funeral service following on November 5th, 2022, at Grace Baptist Church, 112 County Line Rd. D.M., IA 50320. Memorials may be directed to South Side Senior Center of Des Moines, IA.
Ganette Lucile Solem was born March 23, 1921, in Decorah, IA. She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Larson) Solem. She graduated from Decorah High School with her class of 1940.
After graduating, she moved to Des Moines, IA, to look for work. While in Des Moines, she met the love of her life. On July 14, 1943, Ganette was united in marriage to Ernest Gruwell. They were married in Glendale, Arizona where Ernie was serving in the USAF. After his service, they returned to Des Moines to start a family. They adopted an 11-month-old boy and named him Bradley O’Neil Gruwell. They loved him very much.
Ganette had many jobs in her lifetime. She worked for Cash and Take Cleaners, Iowa Motor Vehicle Fuel Division, and Rock Mount Envelope Co. She was also a babysitter and housekeeper. She was a great mother and wife. She taught ceramics at the Polk County Southside Senior Center for many years.
Left to cherish her memories are many nieces and nephews, and friends that will never forget her contagious smile.
In death, Ganette rejoined her parents and 17 siblings, husband, Ernie, and son, Brad.
Your wings were ready, but our hearts were not. You were loved and will be missed by many. Rest in peace our dearest Ganette.