Wanda Lee Gruis, 98, of Rudd, died Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Nora Springs Care Center.
Born July 17, 1927, in Carroll, Nebraska, Wanda was the daughter of Clifford John and Meta Otte Francis. Her family moved to the Nora Springs area in 1940 and later settled on a farm east of Rockford.
Wanda graduated from Rockford High School in 1945 and earned a Normal Training Teacher’s Certificate shortly after turning 18.
According to her obituary, she began her teaching career at Bear Grove School near Kesley before spending seven years teaching in Floyd County’s rural schools.
In 1953, Wanda began teaching in Rudd. She later taught first grade for two decades in the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock school district, helping educate generations of North Iowa children.
Her commitment to local schools continued well beyond the classroom. Wanda served four terms on the RRMR Board of Education and spent five years as board president. She was also a lifetime member of the National Education Association and Iowa State Education Association.
Wanda married Earl “Pete” Gruis on August 17, 1947, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford. The couple later moved to a farm east of Rudd, where they worked side by side raising livestock while Wanda continued teaching.
They became members of Rock Creek Lutheran Church near Meroa, where Wanda served on the Board of Directors and Altar Guild and regularly helped with church activities.
In 1964, Wanda opened Gruis’ Open Gate, where she taught ceramic classes for more than 25 years. She became especially well known for making thousands of decorative Easter eggs, joking with children that she worked for the Easter Rabbit.
Wanda and Pete were devoted supporters of RRMR schools, local FFA programs and the Floyd County Fair. They also welcomed an exchange student from Australia into their home for a year.
Although the couple had no children of their own, Wanda’s obituary notes that they poured their love and attention into the lives of countless children and remained close to many of Wanda’s former students.
Away from school and the farm, Wanda and Pete enjoyed polka dances and festivals, where they built lasting friendships. Wanda was also known as an accomplished cook and baker who nearly always had homemade treats ready for visitors.
She is survived by her nephew, Dennis Davisson, and his family; close friend and neighbor Mike Staudt and his family; Rick and Pat Laudner and their families; and many treasured friends.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and best friend, Pete, in 2007; an infant brother, Ned; her sister, Myra Davisson, and Myra’s husband, Verl; and nephews Ray and Keith Davisson.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2026, at Rock Creek Lutheran Church in rural Osage.
The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church, with Pastor Joel Nye officiating.
Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Rudd.
Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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