James "Jim" Grulkowski

James D. Grulkowski, 88 of Independence, died Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. Jim was born on December 4, 1934 to Stephen and Monica (Killian) Grulkowski. After graduating high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Peace Time. On November 7, 1959 he married Dorothy Pryzbilla. After he was honorably discharged, Jim worked for farmers, Land’O’Lakes in Whitehall, and owned and operated the Welcome Bar in Independence for 40 years. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed turkey and deer hunting, fishing, taking trips to Lake Superior to go sturgeon spearing, and most of all playing cards. Jim will be missed by his wife, Dorothy; children, Dean (Mischelle) Grulkowski of Whitehall, David (Audrey) Grulkowski of Whitehall, Dale (Laurel) Grulkowski of Independence, Daniel (Wendy Maule) Grulkowski of Osseo, and Darin Grulkowski of Ankeny, Iowa; 15 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dennis and Ed Grulkowski; sister, Sister Stephanie Grulkowski; and his special card playing buddies, Lisa Otterbacher and Julie Wheeler. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, LaVerne, Donald, and Robert. A visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m., Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Edison Funeral Home with a prayer service starting at 3 p.m. Family and friends are invited to the Welcome Bar for food and fellowship during the visitation time. To leave an online condolence for his family, please visit www.edisonfuneralhome.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jim" Grulkowski, please visit our flower store.