Batavia, Illinois
Mar 9, 1942 – Jan 9, 2025
Ned J. Gruca
Born: March 9, 1942
Died: January 9, 2025
Ned J. Gruca passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Born on March 9, 1942, in Danville, IL, Ned has made the transition to rejoin his parents, Ned and Helen Gruca and sister, Genevieve (Edward) Bell.
While attending the University of Illinois, Ned met Dolores Geske and they married after graduation in 1965. Never as one, always together as two, Ned and Dolores enjoyed life as partners throughout 60 years of marriage.
Upon graduation from U of I as a Mechanical Engineer, Ned embarked on a successful career at Illinois Tool Works and retired after 40 years. As an executive of ITW Shakeproof, Ned enjoyed mentoring the next generation of engineers, as well as traveling the world closing acquisitions and fostering relationships.
A loving father and grandfather, family and friends were of utmost importance to Ned. Ned dedicated his time and devotion to his grandkids. Ned's desire was to create memories with family in Chicago, Lake Kegonsa, WI, and Marco Island, FL. Multiple projects at the lake house, sunsets and bocce on the beach, afternoon card games, game nights, making chocolate martinis, and providing stock investing guidance were special to Ned. The guidance and values instilled by Ned will be passed down throughout his family forever.
Ned is survived by his wife, Dolores, his two children, David (Andrea) Gruca of Illinois, and Karen (Jason) Shook of Florida and grandkids, Madeline and Lauren Gruca and Colin, Ella, and Corey Shook - brother-in-law of Carol (Peter) Conboy. He was a proud uncle to five nieces and nephews, as well as many extended family members.
Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Friday 10:15 a.m. from the funeral home to St. John of the Cross Church for an 11:00 a.m. Mass. Interment Acacia Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) appreciated. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.
With God's blessings may you and your family find comfort in your cherished memories. of Ned's life.
With love and prayers, John and Joan Schiel
John Schiel
January 16, 2025 | Chicago, IL | Family
Ned was a fantastic man and a great mentor. I still remember sitting down with him and going through Greenbar reports line by line looking at the data to develop questions and actions. I learned a lot from Ned. He was always giving of his time and a great teacher. I remember playing bocce ball with a group at a bar in IL and meeting David. Great father and husband. My prayers will be with the family as you process your grief. You will all be together again.
Phillip Johnson
January 16, 2025 | Prescott, AZ | Coworker
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
John and Sandi Wilcox
January 15, 2025 | Batavia, IL | Acquaintance
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
January 14, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Don and Rozanne Mulack
January 14, 2025 | Lake Forest, IL | Acquaintance
Hello, David. I'm very sorry for the loss of your father! I would like to express my condolences to you and the entire Gruca family!
Mike Hayes
January 14, 2025 | Homer Glen, IL | Coworker
Please accept our sincere condolences.
John Harrington and Maria Ingraffia Harrington
Maria Harrington
January 14, 2025 | Chicago, IL | Friend
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father.
Fazil Ahmed
January 14, 2025 | Hanover Park, IL | Coworker
Warm Embrace Arrangement
The Scherer family
January 13, 2025