Leonida Gruber (Klein)

SIOUX CITY -- Leonida Gruber, 91, of Sioux City died Monday, Aug. 8, 2011, at a Sioux City nursing home from complications due to Alzheimer's disease.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Fr. Daniel C. Guenther, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, with a parish vigil service at 6 p.m., at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Leonida was born on Oct. 15, 1919, in Selz, Kutschurgan, Ukraine, the daughter of Michael & Marianna (Hirsch) Klein. She was raised in Russia and graduated from high school and secretarial school. She married Pius Gruber on April 2, 1940, in Elsass, Russia. They were separated by World War II but were reunited when the Red Cross got her out of East Germany with her family. The family arrived in America on May 5, 1952, living in Rapid City, S.D. Leonida became an American citizen in 1957.
She had been employed as a bookkeeper in Russia. After coming to the United States she worked at several jobs. She then became employed at the Black Hills Packing Co. from 1956 until her retirement in 1976. Leonida and Pius moved to Sioux City in 2001 to be closer to family.
Leonida enjoyed cooking, crafts, and sewing. She always set a nice table for drop-in company.
Leonida is survived by her husband, Pius, of 71 yrs.; two sons and their wives, Pius B. and Miriam and Frank J. & Diane; two grandchildren, Brian and Mary; and a great-grandson, Hayden. In Germany are a sister, Emma, nephews and many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a stepmother; and a brother, Eugen.
The family wishes to express their thanks to Hospice of Siouxland and Countryside Retirement Home for the wonderful care they gave their mother.
Memorials in her name may be directed to Hospice of Siouxland, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Countryside Retirement Home or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to: www.christysmith.com .