Theresa M. (Michalec) Ruzicka, 84, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 22, 2025.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at St. Wenceslaus Church at 11:00 a.m., celebrated by Revs. Aaron Junge and Kenneth Glaser. The family is being cared for by Papich-Kuba Funeral Service.

Theresa was born on March 6, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, to Frank and Mary Michalec. Theresa was the third oldest of 12 children.   She met her future husband, Bob, at St. Wenceslaus High School. After graduating from Regis High School in 1959, they married that fall and were blessed with three children, Randi, Bob Jr and Pamela.  Theresa enjoyed the rewarding role of being a wife, mother, and grandmother.  In 1962, Theresa and Bob built their first and only home near Jones Park.  She often said "'Jones Park was her backyard".

In February 1970, Theresa and her family began making trips to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, visiting Bob's extended family the Sejnohas. Their 1985 trip to Florida marked the start of a cherished tradition of annual winter trips with their final trip in December 2023.

In August 1970, Randi contracted a virus that left him paralyzed.   Theresa became his primary caregiver until his passing.  She relentlessly nursed him back to health so he could walk with crutches, learn to drive, attend college and eventually retire from Collins after 32 years of service.

Last November, Theresa and Bob celebrated 65 years of marriage. The couple enjoyed outings to St. Ludmila's Bingo and the Meskwaki Casino, where Theresa loved playing the Sizzlers, with Bob by her side, often handing her twenties. Among their favorite memories are two trips to see Theresa's favorite singer, Daniel O'Donnell.

Theresa cherished every moment with her family. She was blessed to care for her grandchildren until they started school. She enjoyed going to their school and sporting events.  Theresa cooked Sunday dinners every week until the family started to outgrow their home, so Pam and Chris started hosting. Theresa continued to make a weekly dessert which was always delicious, especially her homemade kolaches.  She loved to play dominoes and insisted that everyone play at least one round before leaving.

Before Bob's passing, he became a devoted caregiver to Theresa after she battled ovarian cancer in 2023 and complications from surgery. He took over the household chores she had managed for 63 years.  She has stated that he was her hero.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Bob Jr. and Pamela Stark; son-in-law, Chris Stark; grandsons, Nick and Sam Stark; granddaughter, Nicole Stark—all of Cedar Rapids—as well as two very special people: Elena Stark and Max Kaiser.

She is survived by sisters, Sister Mary Frances Michalec and Rosie Harvey; and brothers, Bob, Mike, Bill, and Phil Michalec, all of Cedar Rapids. She is also survived by the following in-laws: Mike Ruzicka (Mary Henderson), Denny (Karan) Ruzicka, Barbara Ruzicka, and Alan Smejkal (Sybil Merfeld). Aunt Theresa was deeply loved by many nieces and nephews.

Theresa was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob, on December 15, 2024; and her son, Randi Ruzicka, on June 14, 2023; and her three beloved toy poodles, Misty, Mandy and Macy.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary (Philipp) Michalec and her in-laws, Mathew and Mary (Sejnoha) Ruzicka; sisters, Joni Miller and Patti Smith; brothers, Frank "Butch," Benny, and Bernie Michalec; sisters-in-law, Patricia Beer, Mary Lou Smejkal, and Sue Ruzicka; and brothers-in-law, Ronnie Ruzicka and Jerry Beer.

Thank you to Suncrest Hospice, especially Andrea and Liz for their exceptional care.  They formed a special bond during her 7 months in hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family or St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.

Theresa's warmth, devotion, and laughter will be missed by all who knew her. She is now looking forward to joining Bob, Randi, and her very special friends—Audrey Sejnoha, Pat Beer, and Monica Piersall. We will continue to hear her joyful laughter from the heavens.