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. (The Mass will be livestreamed - please go to www.stjohnofthecross.org and click on livestream). 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.