Gruca, Josephine 'Jo' 'Jozefa'

Josephine “Jo” “Jozefa” Gruca

Born Feb. 27, 1927

Died Nov. 26, 2012

Josephine Gruca was born in Tarnow, Poland and relocated to rural Coggon, Iowa, following World War II in 1949. She was an active member of St. Patrick's Church, Monti, where she enjoyed teaching CCD classes for many years. From 1989, she was a member of St Elizabeth Anne Seton parish in Hiawatha. She volunteered at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, and spoke to schools and other organizations about her personal experiences during World War II and as a displaced person following the war.

She was a skilled seamstress and created many hand crafted items that were enjoyed by many. From 2009, she resided at Highland Ridge Senior Living Community, Williamsburg, until her death.

Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, Loddy (Wladislaw); son, James; and son-in-law, Bradley Byer.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Jo Gruca-Byer, San Dimas, Calif.; son, Michael (Deborah Reis), Colfax, Iowa; son, Christopher, Hull, England; son, Mark, Cedar Rapids; son, John, Cedar Rapids; two grandsons, Justin (Heidi Klemmensen), Des Moines, and Nathaniel, Des Moines; and one great-grandson, Benjamin.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family requests instead of flowers, memorials be directed to the scholarship fund at Highland Ridge, Williamsburg, or the Alzheimer's Association.

Published Dec. 2, 2012 in The Gazette