Rita Jean (Klein) Gruhlke

Rita Jean Gruhlke, 81, of Cochrane, WI passed away peacefully at her home in the early hours of April 29, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Rita was born in Winona, MN, the first daughter of Lelah and Clarwin Klein. She attended school in Cochrane and was the valedictorian of her high school class, the first graduating class of the then brand new Cochrane-Fountain City High School. in 1961. She received her bachelor of science degree in medical technology from UW Eau Claire in 1965.

Rita met the love of her life, Don Gruhlke, on a blind date, introduced by her best friend Em. They were married June 7, 1969, and celebrated their 55th anniversary last year.

Rita and Don had two boys, Kyle and Matt. They moved to Cochrane in 1978 and, in partnership with Rita’s family, built Walnut Grove Golf Course. The course opened in August of 1979 and continues operations today, having been sold in 2018.

Rita loved music, and musicals. She played the piano, saxophone, and ukulele and loved to sing. She performed with Sweet Adelines for years and after the local group disbanded she sang in the church choir. She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing her own clothes before discovering quilting in the early 90s. She continued quilting into the 2010s, and her family and friends were gifted regularly. She became an enthusiastic bird watcher from her favorite chair at home, and took a special delight in the return of eagles and songbirds each spring.

Rita loved her family, especially her granddaughters, nieces, nephews, and their partners and children. She loved nothing more than hosting them as guests in her home and feeding them enormous home cooked meals and dessert, often featuring her extraordinary pie crusts.

Rita is survived by her husband Don, her sons Kyle (Julie Reed), Matt (Selina Larsen), her granddaughters Lydia and Augusta, brother Bob (Sandy) Klein, sister Joan (John) George, and sister-in-law Susan Klein. She was preceded in death by her brother Fred Klein.

There will be visitation at Christ Lutheran Church in Cochrane on Friday, May 2, from 5-7:00pm. The funeral will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 at Christ Lutheran Church, with visitation starting at 10:00 and lunch following. Talbot Family Funeral Homes-Scenic Rivers Cremation Center assisted the family. www.talbotfuneralhomes.com