Obituary

Louise K. Grzybowski, 81, went to meet her Lord and to rejoin her husband on September 17, 2024. She died peacefully in hospice after a short stay, surrounded by family.

Louise was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 10, 1943, to Andrew and Elizabeth Koval. She was the second child of three, after her brother, the late Andrew Koval, and followed by her sister, Jeanne Hokens.

Often called upon at a young age to care for her father with MS, she became the sweet soul and selfless caregiver she would be for the rest of her life. Louise trained at Chicago Teachers College and worked as a teacher until she married the late John Grzybowski, the love of her life, and then stayed at home as a full-time mother after having five children. She never completely gave up teaching though, offering her children books, lessons, and amazing life experiences during their childhood and beyond.

Louise had one of the kindest, most compassionate hearts. She was an incredible lover of animals, rescuing countless cats, dogs, and other assorted animals. She fed the neighborhood birds, squirrels, and cats on a daily basis, even up until right before her death. She was incredibly generous with her time, her money, and her attention. She never forgot a name and was always ready to help if needed, and sometimes when it wasn't. She was a selfless caregiver, often putting others' needs before her own.

Louise is survived by her five children: John (Mandy) Grzybowski, Alissa (Scott) Grzybowski, Catherine (Jason) Beane, Emilie (Adam) Lyon, and David (Jennifer) Grzybowski. She is also survived by her sister, Jeanne (the late Earl) Hokens; niece, Erica Gulzinski and nephew, Earl (Qi) Hokens. She was blessed with five grandchildren: Scott Grzybowski, Keith (Angelina) Grzybowski, Elise Grzybowski, Cale Beane, and Nicolas Grzybowski. She was even blessed to meet her first great-grandchild Elias, son of Keith and Angelina. She is also survived by her uncle, Edward Koval, her cousin, Grace Tampa, and many other friends and family, too numerous to be named here. She goes to meet many who have preceded her in death, including her beloved husband, John; her parents and her brother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 12, 2024 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3663 - 66th Street, Urbandale. The family will receive friends, at the church, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Inurnment will be at Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Animal Lifeline of Iowa or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in Louise's honor. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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