Sandra Ann (Kalous) Gruman, 52, passed away with her family nearby Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Grinnell after an extended illness. The world lost a beautiful soul and heaven gained an angel. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1002 Broad Street, Grinnell. Following the service, a time of fellowship and lunch will be held at Poweshiek County Fairgrounds building. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage at 3 p.m. Visitation will begin at noon on Friday, Oct. 17, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, and Sandra's family will receive friends from 3-7 p.m. A rosary will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at Smith Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Osage Fire Department or Grinnell Fire Department and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.
Sandra Ann Kalous was born Oct. 26, 1972, to Edward F. and Mary Colette J. (Roth) Kalous of Marion. After graduating from Marion High School in 1991, she earned a degree in elementary education from University of Northern Iowa, becoming an accomplished and highly respected teacher. Her passion for teaching left a lasting impression on countless students and colleagues alike in the Osage, East Marshall, and Grinnell School Districts.
While at UNI, Sandra met Bill Gruman at Saint Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center, which formed a lasting impact on their faith journeys, especially in music ministry. They were wed on July 18, 1998. Sandra went on to cantor for more than 30 years.
Sandra embraced life with faith and love, drawing in everyone around her with warmth and sincerity. She had many joys in life, including gardening, Scouting America, Osage and Grinnell Fire Department Auxiliaries, teaching Faith Formation, sacrament preparation, and presenting Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experiences with her husband Bill.
Above all, Sandra cherished time spent with her family and took great delight in supporting anything related to their lives. She is lovingly remembered by her husband William (Bill); her children Adam (Elizabeth) of Ely, Ryan of Chariton, Monica, and Emily; her parents Edward F. and Mary Collete (Roth) Kalous of Marion; her sister Theresa (Gordon) Milton of Blue Springs, MO; her brother Edward J. (Gina) Kalous of Norfolk, NE; and her nieces and nephews.
Sandra was preceded in death by a stillborn son Andrew.
May Sandra's memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.
