Gladys Elizabeth Zach, 100, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on April 24, 2024, at Westridge Care Center. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW.  Celebration of Life services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 29, 2024, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre.  The burial will be in Shueyville Cemetery.   The family invites everyone attending to wear red in honor of Gladys.

Gladys was born on July 25,1923, in rural Johnson County on the family farm, the daughter of Jerry and Emma (Dostal) Becicka.  She graduated from Shueyville High School in 1941. Gladys was united in marriage to Leo F. Zach on November 14, 1945, in Iowa City.  She began working at Armstrong's, as a fur currier, until going to work at Wilson and Company for over 40 years, retiring in July 1988. Later she worked at Johnson Avenue Hy-Vee Bakery for over 15 years. Then in 2009 (at 85) she spent a week with her grandson, Noah, at the Boundary Waters Canada, where he worked for the summer. Gladys was a member of several card clubs including the Senior Citizens Card Club in Fairfax.  She enjoyed gardening, collecting cardinals, caring for many dogs, tending to her yard and home, and most of all spending time with her family.

Gladys is survived by her daughter Trish (Keith) Kramer of Swisher; her grandchildren Noah (Kandace) Kramer of  Sachse, TX, and Sam (Amanda) Kramer of Ely, IA; three great-grandchildren Brynlee and Alaina of Ely, IA, and Leo of  Sachse, TX; as well as many cousins and close friends.

Gladys is preceded in death by her husband Leo, her parents, and her brother Robert (Wilna) Becicka.

Memorials may be directed to Last Hope Animal Rescue.