Edward Gruca, Sr

EDWARD T. GRUCA, SR. Age 80 of Wilmington, passed away Tuesday June 14, 2005 at Silver Cross Medical Center in Joliet. Born in Chicago July 27, 1924, Edward was a son of the late Michael and Zophia (Kimak) Gruca. He was Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and served on a submarine chaser and ice breaker during World War II. Edward was retired from the U.S. Corp. of Engineers and had been employed with the Uniroyal Corp. at the Joliet Arsenal. Edward was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, the Malcomb J. Mayo V.F.W. Post in Wilmington, the Elks Club of Joliet and the Wilmington Moose. Edward and his wife Pauline also were very involved in country dancing and belonged to six country and dance clubs which include: the Bootkickers, Kingsway Kickers, Heartland Dancers, Coyote Moon, Country Line and Country Club and they also owned and operated Young at Heart D.J. Service. Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years Pauline Jean (Roberts); Two sons: Edward, Jr. and Ronald D. (Melinda) Gruca, both of Wilmington; Triplet daughters: Michelle (Tim) Rogers of Wisconsin, Robin (Rich) Blaha of Wilmington and Melanie Haugen of Dwight. (12) Grandchildren and one great grandchild: Pauley, Kristen, Amanda, Krista and Justin Gruca, Rochelle, Tim Jr., Lisa, Cherie, Kasey and Kyilee Rogers and Joseph and Michael Blaha. One brother Joseph Gruca; Three sisters: Adeline (the late Chester) Capanowski, Mary (the late Steve) Klimowski and Dolores (Bob) Janke; Three sisters-in-law: Mildred Marek and Carla and Emily Gruca. Edward was preceded in death by his parents. Two brothers: Chester and Joseph and one sister Julie Orlow. Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Thursday June 16, 2005 from 3:00PM until 7:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington. Funeral Services will follow on Friday June 17th at 9:30AM from the funeral home proceeding to St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, where a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Steve Bondi and Deacon Don Dyer officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Edwards name to Kuzma Cottage or to his family for distribution to charities of their choice.