Roy Joseph Gabrenja (1924-2019)

GABRENJA, PIZEM, SCHROBILGEN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 6/11/2019 at 06:28:38

Roy Joseph Gabrenja, 94, of Dubuque, Iowa formerly of Rickardsville and Sunset Park Place in Dubuque passed away June 7th, 2019 at Manor Care with his loving family by his side.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday June 11th, 2019 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, with Fr. Paul Attah-Nsiah officiating. Visitation be after 9:00 a.m. until time of service Tuesday at the church . Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Rickardsville, IA.

Roy was born on October 22, 1924 in Dubuque the son of John Gabrenja and Anna (Pizem) Gabrenja. Roy married Dorothy Schrobilgen on April 12th 1948. Together they had three children and shared 71 beautiful years together.

Roy farmed in the 5 points area of Dubuque Co. and he worked at John Deere Dubuque works for 25 years retiring in 1985.

Roy enjoyed playing cards, especially rummy and solitaire, and loved trips the casino before his health and eyesight failed him. He fought a long hard battle against numerous cancers over 14 years. His family and faith mattered most to him.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his family: Daughter, Diane (Bob) Meyer and their children, Kris (J.D.) Neal, their children, Tristan and Griffin; Keri (Jon) Griswold and their children, Owen and Olyvia; Grace Coleman and her daughter Lillith Frisa. Daughter Sandy (Steve) Zalaznik and their children, Eric (Paige Ortiz) and their children, Ava, Julia, Clara Zalaznik and Jake and Jimmy Ortiz; Jason (Stephanie) Zalaznik and their children Jaylynne, Josie, Judson, Elsie, and Millie; Ryan (Madde) Zalaznik and their children Zayda Zalaznik and Jack Mulgrew. A son John Gabrenja. In-laws Pat Hough, Thelma Roberts, and Irma Schrobligen. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Anna (Art) Heiderscheit; a younger brother; a great-granddaughter Lauryn Griswold; mother and father-in-law Joseph and Margaret (Lex) Schrobilgen; In-laws Melvin Schrobilgen, Robert (Dorothy) Schrobilgen, Germaine (Aloysius) Schmitt, and Harlan Roberts.

Roy's family would like to extend a huge thank you to all his many caregivers over the years. He had his favorites and you know who you are!

Family would like guests to dress casual and comfortable for services.

The family requests no flowers, instead memorials will be directed to the Hope Lodge in Iowa City to help house those fighting cancer. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. is in charge of arrangements.