, Iowa, in 2006. She began working at Buchanan County Community Services, Independence, Iowa, Quality Choice Inc., in Oelwein, Iowa, which included working at Goodwill. In 2010, Kristi moved to the Pioneer Cottage at Opportunity Village, and later moved to an independent group home in Clear Lake.
She was very involved in the Special Olympics. Kristi had won many medals and trophies throughout the years, in track, swimming, bowling and basketball. She was a member of the Strike Harder Bowling team on Thursday night league in Forest City.
Kristi was the first baby baptized at Peace Lutheran Church in Oelwein. She was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City.
Her dream was to be a bride, work as a secretary, and drive a car. Kristi's golden years, were at the Opportunity Village, where she enjoyed the independence of moving around the campus on her bike, swimming in the pool, working at the center, and picking her paycheck up on Friday's. She knew the value of money; quarters for pop (Diet Coke), dollars for arm wrestling and five dollars for Subway sandwiches. To Kristi, every day was her birthday and she loved to go to the casino on her real birthday with her family. She never met a boy or man that she didn't want to hug, kiss or marry.
Kristi was very musical, she enjoyed listening to Michael Jackson, the Jersey Boys and Lawrence Welk on Saturday nights on TV. She played the guitar for the Oak Wood Nursing Home, also loved entertaining friends and family. Kristi loved dancing, being the center of attention in front of the band and busting the moves. During her stay at the Opportunity Village she participated in the Bell Choir, Sign Language Choir and Tuesday afternoon Spiritual Life.
Kristi is survived by her four siblings, Kelly (Merle) Brockshus of Mason City, Jackie Tallman of Cresco, Vicki (Steve) Wolfe of Mason City and Dwight Gruetzmacher of Duluth, MN.; 10 nieces and nephews, Sara Wolfe, Matt Wolfe, Heidi Wolfe, Tony Tallman, Benge Tallman, Lindsay Tallman, Josh Brockshus, Noah Brockshus, Talia Gruetzmacher, Clayton Gruetzmacher and along with numerous great nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She will be remembered as the heart of our family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Darlene Gruetzmacher.
The family would like to take the opportunity to thank all of Kristi's special friends who cared for her, especially Julie and Michelle.
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