Mary Gradwell

MARY GRADWELL

Cedar Rapids

Mary Isabelle (Whisler) Gradwell, 93, of Cedar Rapids, departed this world in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, surrounded by those who loved her, on Saturday, April 4, 2015. In honor of Mary's wishes, cremation and private graveside services were held. Entrusted with the arrangements was Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

The daughter of Edward and Belle (Taylor) Whisler, Mary was born near Udell, Iowa, at the home of her grandparents (J.J. and Chastina Taylor) on her mother's birthday, Oct. 31, 1921. The family lived in Centerville for a short time before moving to Cedar Rapids in 1927. Mary loved living in Cedar Rapids. She rode the streetcars, met her best friend, Jeanne, watched Saturday matinees downtown for only a dime, and attended Franklin school, where she and her classmates entered through the doors marked "boys" and "girls." In 1937, her mother died unexpectedly and Mary returned to Appanoose County to live with relatives. She graduated from Centerville High School in January 1940.

As teenagers did at the time, during one of many rides around the Centerville Square, she met her future husband, Max.

Mary received a two-year teaching degree from Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) and embarked on a career that began in a one-room school north of Central City in 1941 and ended at Northeast Community near Clinton in 1981. During that time she married Max, moved numerous times, had six children, and graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

Although devoted to teaching, like many of the "Greatest Generation," Mary wanted to contribute to the war effort. She made her way to California with her beautiful cousin, Patricia, and worked at Lockheed for a time. Returning to Iowa, but still adventurous, she and her best friend Jeanne traveled to Washington, D.C., to work at the Pentagon and later at the War College. She was among the throngs of people who lined the streets for FDR's funeral procession when the president died in 1945.

After Max returned from serving in World War II, he and Mary were united in marriage on Aug. 10, 1947, in Centerville. Together they taught school and raised their family. They were married for 61 years until Max's death in 2008.

Preceding Mary in death were her parents; her older brother, Ed and wife Grace Whisler; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Burdeen and Stella Gradwell, Louise and Kenneth Pyle, Olive and Hal Pugh and Charles and Ruth Gradwell; niece, Peggy Ann Bohr; nephew, Jim Gradwell; and cousins, who were more like sisters, Patricia Glorfeld and Mary May Moran.

Mary was a good mother who stressed education, love of country and family.

She is survived by six children, Mike (Susan) Gradwell, Mary Elizabeth Gradwell, Margaret (Bob) Laas, Marcia (Tim) Moran, Martha Kruger and Milton (Dena) Gradwell; grandchildren, Jennifer Mains, Jeremy (Geneva) Mains, Devin (Paulette) Gradwell, Michelle (Rob) Wiebeckke and Amanda (Marlena) Gradwell; and great-grandchildren, Daron James, Ayanna, Eden and Derek Wiebeckke, Gemma and Gianna Gradwell.

The grandchildren have many fond memories of reading and playing games with their loving grandmother.

Also left to remember Mary are special cousins, Bill, John (Paulette) and Susan (David) Taylor; and beloved nieces and nephews, Richard (Charlyn) Pyle, Joyce Pyle, Ruth Ann (Fred) Kruger, Warren Gradwell and Cheryl Wickham.

Mary was selfless, generous and kind to all, ignored gossip, and had a special connection to nature and animals. Her special canine friend, Cooper, was a close companion and comfort to her as she grew tired toward the end of her life. Mary's family is grateful for Cooper's unconditional love for their mother and grandmother.

To honor Mary, spend quality time reading and playing with your children and grandchildren. Be kind and thoughtful.

Please direct any memorials in Mary's memory to a charity of your choosing.