Donald J. Gruza

March 29. 1934 Sept. 8. 2005 

Donald J. Gruza, 71, of South Bend, IN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 8, 2005, after a short illness. He was born on March 29, 1934, In South Bend, to the late Ladislaus (Walt) and Harriet (Edna) Gruza. He was preceded In death by two brothers, Walter, Jr. (Buddy) Gruza and Francis (Frank) Gruza.

On April 24, 1954, he married Jean R. Wisniewskl, who survives. Also surviving are his brother, George Gruza; nieces and nephews from the Gruza family which Include Gale and Steve Magley, Connie and John O'Donnell, James Gruza, Frank and Sharon Gruza, John and Donna Gruza, and Jackie Gruza; nieces and nephews from the Wisniewski family which Include Ken and Lynn Wisniewski, Peggy and Jim Myers, Diana and George Berger, Kathy and Bill Natynka, Karlon and Tom Rozek; nieces and nephews from the Sikorski family which include Mary and Dean Ward, Bonnie (BJ) Sikorskl, Leonard and Rosemary Sikorski, Patty and Bob Wojtysiak; also very special friends, Mark Klempay and Mary Reed, Paul and Kay Johanson; and last of all, our two special `fuzzy kids," Buddy and Brandy (miniature Schnauzers), who will miss their Dad. .

Don graduated from Central High School in 1952 and was In the Air Force for a short period of time.

He retired from Honeywell, formerly Allied Signal and Bendix, having worked there 33 years as a senior designer (Aircraft Landing Gear Systems), and was also employed at A.M. General for 11 1/2 years as a supervisor of Transit Bus Publications. He did extensive travel (or both companies across the United States as well as Hawaii and Germany. Don thoroughly enjoyed his work and the many people he worked with directly and in his travels. .Don and his wife Jean celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary April 2004.

He was my friend and loving husband; we had many wonderful years together: He will be missed by all his family and friends. I want to thank all our wonderful family, friends and neighbors for their love and concern during Don's illness. Also to all the nurses and professional help at Memorial Hospital on 8th floor South and 10th floor South for your caring and compassion.

Family and friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. on Sunday September 11. 2005. In the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 12, 2005. In St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Brookfield StretL Burial will be at Highland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pet Refuge, 2300 W. 6th, Mishawaka. IN; or to a charity of your choice in Donald Gruza's name. 

Sources: Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com, and FindAGrave.com

10/18/2023 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/163799483/donald-j-gruza