Rose M. Grunauer, 65, who raised nine children and returned to school to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse, died of pancreatic cancer Tuesday, Feb. 5, in Palos Community Hospital, Palos Heights. Born and raised on the South Side, Mrs. Grunauer graduated from Academy of Our Lady and met her husband, Edward, soon afterward. They were married in September 1957, when he returned from service in the Korean War. They settled a few miles from the neighborhood where they grew up, and Mrs. Grunauer devoted herself to motherhood. By 1972, the family had nine children. Life at home always was organized, thanks to Mrs. Grunauer, said her daughter Ann Burke. After her youngest child began grammar school, Mrs. Grunauer decided to become a nurse. In the early 1980s, she enrolled in a nursing program at Daley College and graduated two years later. Mrs. Grunauer, who was an oncology nurse for about 20 years, enjoyed helping others, her daughter said. When she fell ill, former patients came to her room and told her family how her care helped them recover, Burke said. Though Mrs. Grunauer occasionally discussed retiring, she loved the work and practiced nursing until illness prevented it. For the last two years, she visited Ireland, Scotland and Paris before her cancer was diagnosed. Other survivors include four daughters, Therese Gulbransen, Julie, Lynn and Dolores; four sons, Matt, Mark, Daniel and Edward Jr.; two sisters, Kathleen Othon and Delores Clark; and eight grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home, 10727 S. Pulaski Rd. Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Friday in Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, 10233 S. Central Park Ave., Evergreen Park.
