Stanley Gryga

Stanley C Gryga, 99, died peacefully in his sleep on October 9, 2021.

Stan was born on August 23, 1922 in Mosinee, WI to Franciszak (Frank) and Anna Augustyn Gryga, the seventh of their eight children. He grew up on their small farm with some dairy cattle, chickens, geese, hogs and ducks. With the animals and crops, there was enough to feed the family during the Great Depression. Stan attended Kosciusko Elementary School, a two-room brick schoolhouse and graduated from Mosinee High School, class of 1941, second in his class of 84. He was awarded a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, Madison but due to the Depression, his family could not provide room and board funds to attend. After high school, with little local employment, Stan headed for Chicago and his first full-time factory job at Washable Button Works, later Nesbit Industries, producer of Christmas ornaments and decorations.

A World War II veteran, Stan was inducted into the US Army in 1942, serving honorably in the 82nd Airborne Division. Prepared by high school business classes, Stan served as clerk typist in Division headquarters, following the call from Casablanca, Morocco to Berlin, Germany in 1945. His service took him to England; Utah Beach in Normandy, France; the Holland invasion via Glider; the Battle of the Bulge, Belgium, and concluded as part of the occupation army in Berlin.
After wartime, Stan returned to Chicago and his former employer, where he met his wife, Julia. They married in May 1947, leading to a 52-year-union and two daughters, Marilyn (the late Eugene) Korpalski and Margaret Murphy.

Stan considered the hallmarks of his life to be his long and loving marriage to Julia; sending his two daughters to college; his years as faithful caregiver to his wife after her diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease; an active life as widower for over 20 years; working for the same company for 40 years; and serving his country in WWII. He was an active member of the Chicago Chapter, 82nd Airborne Division Association; and long-time parishioner of Divine Savior Parish, Norridge, volunteering in a variety of capacities well into his 90’s.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, four sisters, and wife Julia. He is survived by his two daughters, granddaughter Elena Korpalski, grandson Brian Korpalski, and great granddaughter Ava Korpalski.

Visitation will be held at Divine Savior Church, 7740 W Montrose Avenue, Norridge, on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 10:00 - 11:00am. Funeral Mass to follow visitation at 11:00am. Entombment Mary, Mother of God Mausloeum at St Adalbert Cemetery, 6800 N Milwaukee Avenue, Niles with Airborne Farewell and Military Honors.