Christian Biography of Joseph E. Gruszka

Joseph Edward Gruszka, the son of Andrew and Mary (Hajoist) Gruszka, was born on October 13, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois. He passed away on June 10, 2013 at his daughter's home in Superior, Nebraska; after a courageous battle of 20 months with cancer. Joe flew up to heaven on the wings of angels at the age of 75 years, 7 months, 28 days.

Joe was the youngest of four siblings, one older brother and two older sisters. Joe served in the United States Navy as a boiler tender from 1957- 1960. Joe met and married his soul mate Mary E. Imler in Lincoln, Kansas. They were married August 22, 1970, being blessed with four amazing children. Tamara on May 15, 1971, Timothy Joe on November 22, 1972, Cynthia March 23, 1975 and Galen Andrew Gruszka on July 29, 1978.

Joe became an active member of AA in 1973. He didn't go to keep himself sober, but he went to change and help the lives of others. Joe helped so many people overcome addiction. He always saw the better side of everyone and knew through faith, help and will power they could change. He never gave up on them.

Joe worked most of his life as a master carpenter. If it was broke he could fix it. If it needed built he could build it. Joe had an amazing sense of humor and always loved telling anyone and everyone he came in contact with a joke just to see them smile. He touched so many lives. Joe will be truly missed by all.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #7714 of Superior.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother John, and beloved son Galen on August 20, 2002.

He was survived by his wife Mary of Mankato, Kansas; children Tamara Gruszka of Superior, Nebraska; Timothy Gruszka and wife Kelly of Hardy, Nebraska and Cynthia Gruszka-Bishop and husband Ryan of Hesperia, California; 13 grandchildren: Cory, Aaron, Whitney, Hunter, Dylan, Alex, Damien, Bentley, Andrew, Nickolas, Faith and Amber; two sisters Bernice Sickenger and Anna Fazio from Chicago, Illinois; other relatives and a host of friends. Joe was the most loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, he will be greatly missed. Gone but never forgotten.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 14, 2013, at 2:00 PM from the Megrue-Price Funeral Home in Superior, Nebraska with Rev. Brad Zitek officiating.

Music was "Last Fairwell" by Roger Whittaker, "You Can Let Go Now Daddy" by Crystal Shawanda, and "Cryin For Me" by Toby Keith, and "Life's Railway To Heaven."

Visitation was held on Wednesday from 2:00 to 8:00 PM and Thursday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Pallbearers were Timothy Gruszka, Nickolas Gilligan, Ryan Bishop, Aaron Bishop, Carl Collins, and Steve Sickenger. Honorary Pallbearers were Roy Lyons, Marty Lyons, and Corey Gruszka.

Interment with Full Military Honors was in the White Rock Cemetery at Republic, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to go to Asera Care Hospice.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.