Cornelia Mol (Mol) Gruys

Cornelia Mol Gruys, age 98, formerly of Rogers died Monday, August 19, 2019 at Guardian Angels Care Center in Elk River.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, October 11, 2019 at Word of Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers with visitation one hour prior to the service; a reception will follow. Interment will be 10:00 am Saturday, October 12th at Lakeview Cemetery near Maple Lake.

Cornelia Mol Gruys was born November 21, 1920 in Annandale to Henry and Nellie (Moret) Mol. She graduated from Annandale High School with the Class of 1938. She continued with her education earning a teaching degree and taught grades 1-4 for four years at Silver Creek School District 16. In 1943, she was united in marriage to Robert Gruys. The couple moved to California where she became a member of the Rosie Riveters, and worked as a sandblaster. While Robert pursued his medical degree, Cornelia worked at the University of Minnesota in the Library of Health Services. Cornelia and Robert worked as Medical Missionaries in Taiwan, Republic of China for 2 years. Cornelia also taught English to Chinese University students during her time in Taiwan. Cornelia worked in Customer Service at Augsburg Publishing in Minneapolis for 11 years before her retirement.

Cornelia always felt blessed to witness her faith, that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus is the only way to our heavenly home with God the Father and that the Holy Spirit is real and does change lives everywhere. Cornelia was an active member of Word of Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers. She was a charter member of the Friendship Circle and was involved in the Senior’s Writing group. Over the years, several of her short stories were published in various magazines. After Cornelia became a resident at Guardian Angels Care Center, she had the opportunity to participate in an oil painting class and discovered a talent for painting. She enjoyed painting scenes from her memories of time spent at Sugar Lake. One of her paintings, “Angels over Bethlehem”, was used for several thousand Christmas cards for Guardian Angels employees and residents at their many locations. Now, Cornelia is with those angels. Cornelia was a thoughtful and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Cornelia made everyone she met feel welcome.

She is survived by her brother, Chris Mol of Maple Grove; children, Kathy Firnstahl of Arlington, WA, Robert (Kathy) Gruys of Annandale, John (Barbara) Gruys of Rogers and William Gruys of Rogers; grandchildren, Cassandra Firnstahl of Arlington, WA, Nick (Lilla) Gruys of Big Lake, Lexi Scott of Bellingham, WA, Nate (Greta) Gruys of Spirit Lake, IA, Teresa (Richard) Weldon of Everett, WA, Charlie (Jill) Gruys of Minnetonka, Joanie Kay (Jassen) Koorn of Marysville, WA, Katelyn Gruys of Cedar City, UT and Madeline Gruys of Rogers; and eleven great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Guardian Angels Care Center Elk River and Guardian Angels Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Cornelia.

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