George W.Gruwell 1871-1930

GRUWELL, RHODES

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 10/1/2013 at 23:48:11

Geo. W. Gruwell Dies of Stroke
Stores Close During Funeral Rites

Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at 2:30 for George W. Gruwell, who died Friday from a paralytic stroke. Stores and business houses remained closed an hour during the services.

Mr. Gruwell has not enjoyed good health for several years, being confined for a long period in the hospital, but he was able to be at work at his place of business, the Auto Supply company until Wednesday, when he was stricken. He was then in his office. Mr. Gruwell was rushed to the hospital but did not regain consciousness before his death Friday.

Many at services
Services were conducted by the Rev. Arthur G. Bailey, Presbyterian pastor, at the Gruwell home and the following acted as pallbearers: George Shadle, Dr. W.E. Bradley, George K. Allen, H.M. Lambert, L.L. Bingham, and Alex Johnston. Burial was in Oak Hill cemetery. A mixed quartette consisting of Mrs. N.H. McKerral, Mrs. Ed Stockdale, Fred Albertson and Orin Manthe., sang two selections. They were accompanied by Mrs. John Greig at the piano.

George W. Gruwell was born Jan. 5, 1871, at West Branch and was the son or Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Gruwell. After completing his elementary studies in the schools of West Branch he took a liberal arts course at the University of Iowa. While a student there he was active in athletics and work in literary societies. He was graduated in 1893.

Published Vindicator
In 1894 he came to Estherville and with Mr. Heacock purchased the Northern Vindicator from W.M. McFarland. They published this newspaper until 1902, when Mr. Gruwell went to Dunnell, Minn., as cashier of a newly organized bank. He continued as cashier until 1912, when he returned to Estherville and started the Auto Supply company, which he continued until the time of his death.

He was united in marriage June 10, 1903, to Miss Nellie Rhodes of Estherville, who with their son, Willus R. Gruwell of Rockford, Ill., and daughter, Dorothy, of this city survive him. A brother, Arthur G. Gruwell, of Pasadena, Calif., is living and came here to attend the services.

Mr. Gruwell was a member of the Elks and the Woodmen, was at the time of his death a member of the school board and was secretary of the board of directors of the public library. He was a member of that board since 1914 and secretary since 1922. While at Dunnell he was a member of the school board and had been a school director here since 1924.

Had Many Friends
When a boy he was associated with the Friends church but after coming to Estherville united with the Presbyterian church. While in Dunnell he was superintendent of the Bible school of the Methodist church.

Mr. Gruwell was quiet and unassuming and was always genial. He will be greatly missed in the community life of Estherville and a wide circle of close friends mourn his loss. There was no man in Estherville more respected than Mr. Gruwell. (Estherville News, Estherville, IA, May 8, 1930)