Charles Gradoville

CHARLES GRADOVILLE

Cedar Rapids

Charles Bernard "Charley" Gradoville, 93, of Cedar Rapids, passed peacefully in the company of family on the morning of March 14, 2016, at West Ridge Care Center. Although his compassion and strength of character were tested by several medical complications and afflictions, he maintained a positive, affirming and appreciative relationship with caregivers, friends and family.

Charley was born July 11, 1922, in Lincoln, Neb., to Dr. Charles M. and Isabelle (Wareing) Gradoville. He married the love of his life, Agnesrose Plunkett Whalen, on Jan. 22, 1944, in Des Moines. This union produced 10 children.

Charley served honorably as an officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He earned an engineering degree in 1947 from Iowa State, where he also lettered in basketball and played baseball. Charley worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone from 1947 until his retirement in 1981. The family lived in Des Moines from 1947 to 1955 and Cedar Rapids from 1955 to the present.

Charley was a member of All Saints Catholic Church where he spent many years giving service as a money counter, lector, basketball coach, Eucharistic minister and parish leader.

He also was active in the Catholic Layman's Club, Knights of Columbus and the local American Legion. He gave service to many people and organizations, including Green Square Meals, Discovery Living, Meals-on-Wheels, American Cancer Society and Mercy Hospital Eucharistic Ministry.

He is survived by his children, Bob (Lyn) of North Haven, Conn., Mike (Ellen) of Boardman, Ohio, Jim (Xiao Xia) of Beijing, China, Mary (Berry) Bennett of Ankeny, Denny (Connie) of Lacey, Wash., Rich (Sandy) of Johnston, Bernie (Kathleen) of Des Moines and Brian of Cedar Rapids; 18 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Charley was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Agnes, in 2014; and his sons, Chuck in 1967 and John in 2011.

Charley devoted time daily to his fellow man and his church. He had a sincere interest in the lives of others, which continually gained him new friends. He also believed he was the luckiest person in the world, not worthy of his wife and family he loved so much. By believing he was last, he will surely be first in God's eyes and will join Agnes in eternal life.

Visitation will be at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home on Monday, March 21, from 4 to 7 p.m., beginning with a vigil service and rosary at 4 p.m. A funeral Mass will be 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, at All Saints Catholic Church, followed by burial with military honors at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Charley requested flowers be kept to a minimum and memorials be made to All Saints Catholic Church, Catholic Layman's Club or Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.cedarmemorial.com.