Mr. Heinz E Gruschka

Heinz Eberhard Gruschka, 85, Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully at home with his daughter by his side on December 18, 2014. He was born in Beuthen O/S, Germany, on May 3, 1929, to Maximilian and Martha (Hübner) Gruschka. He was baptized as an infant in the Catholic faith, but attended Grace Baptist Church in Kansas City North for the past 51 years. Although his education was interrupted by WWII, Heinz later obtained his Meister Brief, becoming a Master Craftsman in brick and stone masonry. He immigrated to the United States (Springfield, MO) in 1956 and was proud to become a United States citizen. In 1961, he married Naomi Carl, moved to Kansas City, and from then on called it home. Throughout his career (30 years with Alpha Masonry; member of BAC Local Union 15), Heinz worked on numerous buildings, churches, homes, fireplaces, and even the Crown Center waterfall. He definitely was a master of his craft and his handiwork will be admired for years to come. He is survived by his daughter Jane Gruschka and grandchildren Amy and Max Gruschka, all of Kansas City, MO; sister Liselotte (William) Drummey (Scarborough, ME); brothers Hans (Gisela) Gruschka (Kansas City, MO), Peter (Edda) Gruschka (Germany); nieces Brigitte Gruschka (Liberty, MO), Carmen (Gruschka) Pioch (Germany); and numerous family and friends both in the United States and across Europe. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sister Annelise (Gruschka) Ferguson, his niece Johanna (Drummey) Hanaburgh, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law that he loved dearly. Heinz will be remembered as a hardworking, intelligent, honest man, who was extremely proud of his family, especially his grandchildren. He will truly be missed, but will live forever in the hearts of all who knew him. The family would like to thank all those who supported them and Heinz, more than ever the last several months. Visitation is Sunday, 4:00 - 6:00 pm, Funeral service is Monday, 11:00 am, both at Grace Baptist Church, 3101 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City MO, 64119, followed by interment at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 N Antioch Road, Gladstone MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Grace Baptist Church.