Memorial
Brian Lee Gruhn, respected attorney at law, passed away at the age of 74 on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at The Gardens in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A native son of Iowa, born to Doris (Phillips) Gruhn and Norman Gruhn on June 20, 1950, Brian took his first academic strides at Manilla High School, graduating in the class of 1968. He pursued higher education at the University of Iowa, where he obtained both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctorate. His professional life was dedicated to the practice of law, particularly specializing in Administrative Public Sector and Employment Law, through his work at the Gruhn Law Firm, which he owned and managed for over 40 years.
Passionate about the arts, Brian had a profound love for music and photography. He was also a fervent fan of Iowa Football and participated in the RAGBRAI cycling tour. His Coralville Lake home was a place dear to him, and it served as the scene for many instances of waterskiing, boating, and entertainment surrounded by his loved ones.
Brian’s memory is carried on by his family which includes his daughter, Jamile (Gruhn) Conrad, her husband Joseph Conrad, and grandson Jaxton Conrad of Solon, Iowa. He also leaves behind his sister Krista, her husband Mike Ketcham of Lake View, Iowa, and his sister-in-law Sandra Gruhn of Manilla, Iowa, as well as his nieces Julie (Gruhn) Monson, Jacie (Gruhn) Hulse, Brooke Odendahl, Kaylee Odendahl, and nephew Jeffrey Gruhn, along with other family and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Doris and Norman, his stepfather Larry Witt, and his brother Kenton Gruhn.
A visitation celebrating Brian’s life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids. A burial in Manning, Iowa will be held later.