03/14/2016
Charles Bernard “Charley” Gradoville, 93, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed peacefully in the company of family on the morning of March 14, 2016, at West Ridge Care Center.
Although his compassion and strength of character were tested by several medical complications and afflictions, he maintained a positive, affirming and appreciative relationship with caregivers, friends, and family.
Charley was born July 11, 1922, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Dr. Charles M. and Isabelle (Wareing) Gradoville. He married the love of his life, Agnesrose Plunkett Whalen on January 22, 1944, in Des Moines. This union produced 10 children.
Charley served honorably as an officer in the United States Navy during World War II. He earned an engineering degree from Iowa State in 1947, where he also lettered in basketball and played baseball.
Charley worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone from 1947 until his retirement in 1981. The family lived in Des Moines from 1947-1955 and Cedar Rapids from 1955-present.
Charley was a member of All Saints Catholic Church where he spent many years giving service as a money counter, lector, basketball coach, Eucharistic minister and parish leader. He was also active in the Catholic Laymen’s Club, the Knights of Columbus and the local American Legion.
He gave service to many people and organizations including Green Square Meals, Discovery Living, Meals-on-Wheels, American Cancer Society, and Mercy Hospital Eucharistic Ministry.
He is survived by his children: Bob (Lyn) of North Haven, Connecticut; Mike (Ellen) of Boardman, Ohio; Jim (Xiao Xia) of Beijing, China; Mary (Berry) Bennett of Ankeny; Denny (Connie) of Lacey, Washington; Rich (Sandy) of Johnston; Bernie (Kathleen) of Des Moines; and Brian of Cedar Rapids; eighteen grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.
Charley was preceded in death by his wife of seventy years, Agnes, in 2014, and his sons, Chuck, in 1967 and John, in 2011.
Charley devoted time daily to his fellow man and his church. He had a sincere interest in the lives of others, which continually gained him, new friends.
He also believed he was the luckiest person in the world, not worthy of his wife and family he loved so much. By believing he was last, he will surely be first in God’s eyes and will join Agnes in eternal life.
Visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home on Monday, March 21 from 4-7 pm, beginning with a vigil service and rosary at 4 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, March 22 at 9 am at All Saints Catholic Church, followed by burial, with military honors, at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Charley requested that flowers be kept to a minimum and that memorials be made to All Saints Catholic Church, Catholic Layman’s Club, or Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.