Lana Kay Hruby
May 10, 1951 - February 17, 2013

"I just received the Maquoketa paper and was shocked and so saddened to read about Lana. She was my student in speech, English, and theatre so many years ago at Andrew H.S. I remember her beautiful smile and pleasant attitude. About 15 years ago, I visited with Lana in Maquoketa at the ballpark. I even got to meet her daughter, Mandy. She was so proud to introduce me to her daughter. Lana still had her gracious smile and upbeat personality. Mandy, your mom's life is your legacy. May your beautiful memories of her be the comfort you'll keep in your heart forever. God be with you and your Uncle L.R. as well. Lovingly, "Mrs. T" "

"Mandy, We just spoke of your mom and you and Jeff were going to see her and she was cooking the evening meal. No idea that she would be gone so soon. She will be missed by all. Take care and god bless!!"

"Mandy, LR and Aggie we have so many fond memories of Lana. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, The Barnes family"

"Mandy , L.R. and family, No matter how well you knew Lana, she always spoke to you as though you were a good friend. Each time we saw her she always had a few minutes to share a story...and a laugh. We hope the support of those who care about you will help to ease the sorrow you feel. May God hold you all in his care. With sympathy, Claudia and Bob"

"Mandy, Lana will be missed by many; she touched so many lives. Lana was such a wonderful and caring person, with so much life to live. Loved her laughter, just like you. Take care friend, I will keep you in my prayers."

"Mandy,L.R.,Aggie you all have our deepest sympathy. Lana was a very special person. She always had nice words to say about everyone. The last time Lana was here at our home with SUE we all went out to eat dinner together it was lots of great laughs. She said her an Mandy were coming back down and we would go again. Such a great lady and friend to know. We will miss her and her laugh also. "

"Lana, my football sister. We would comment at each encounter that we were the Patriot sisters; the only fans in Jackson County, and that's the way she introduced me to Mandy. I was "the other" Patriot fan in Jackson County. Football season won't be the same without Lana... a sweet soul, respected and loved, and a hardcore football fanatic."

"Mandy, LR & Aggie, Very saddened to hear of Lana's passing. So sorry I cannot make it to the services. I know we haven't seen each other in a few years, I have very fond memories of Lana, truly loved her snort! She was such a good egg, always willing to lend a hand when needed. Thoughts, Prayers & Hugs coming your way. God Bless!"

"Mandy, L.R., and Aggie, Lana was one special lady. She always knew you and could start up right where we left off.( Mandy you carry that same wonderful trait!) I always loved her dry sense of humor...she could always make me laugh! Many great memories to hold onto. Lana will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Sending many thoughts, prayers, and big hugs to you all. "

"L.R. & Mandy- my condoloences to you. I came to AHS in 1967 and though I never had her in any of my classes, she was a"hottie" back then. Latter in life as I worked with her she showed her humor and wisdom in many ways as she 'rode herd' on the study hall gangs. She was a fine lady and will be missed by many."

"LR, & Mandy, So sorry to hear of Lana's passing, I have alot of great loving memories of growing up next door to the Gnade family, Always yelling across the street hello, what you doing, the great laughs we had Lana being our babysitter then myself turning around and babysitting Mandy, We use to say was Mandy the Gerber baby or Hruby baby? and we would laugh. The games we used to play outside late at night, sitting in the front yard at night telling stories, and we would do anything to get Lana to laugh so she would snort! lol. Lana will be greatly missed and she always had a smile on her face and nice greeting when we would arrive to Dad's and Lori's. Our heartfelt condolences on your loss. We so loved Lana and will miss her greatly. "

"Mandy- will always remember the wonderful short visits we had as you and my kids were growing up in the good old 4-H days... I never seen her mad, always a smile and ready to jump in with both feet to help out...she was a gem for sure and will be missed...Make room God, you have a special angel coming you're way!"

"LR, Abby, & Mandy, Just learned of Lana's passing. My heart is so sad. You won't grieve alone. Such a loss and so sorry we won't be able to tap into her caring and genuine heart. The memories and regrets. Lana was always dependable to help and bring your spirits up. Her laugh and snorts were signature, true. But who she was is the heartfelt loss of a true friend. Praying for you and know we understand and share in your loss. "

"Sue and I were so sorry to hear of Lana's sudden passing. We knew Lana through church connections but only realized how special she was when our son Lance came home from school and asked if we were related to the Gnades. When we said yes, he told us that he'd had a conversation with Lana in the library and she asked him if he knew that she was related to him. That conversation started a lasting relationship between the two of them and as we became more closely acquainted with Lana, we learned just how gifted she was. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of this delightful woman."

"Mandy, LR and Family, You all have my most heartfelt condolences. Lana will be greatly missed! "

"Oh wow! This is a big shock! All of her family and friends have my deepest sympathy. Lana and I were not pals in high school, (Class of 1969, AHS), but we became so later. When she worked at school she and I would e-mail jokes and cute stories back and forth. And I too remember her little snort when she laughed. When she did it it would just make her and everyone around her laugh all the harder. I am going to miss running into her in the grocery store or Wal-mart, where we would tie up the aisles when we talked. Sleep well Lana!! Sincerely, Mary McCallister Gilmore"

"LR and Mandy, I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed."

"Mandy, LR and Family, I enjoyed talking with Lana when she came into the post office. She always brightened my day. We will all miss her but have happy memories to share with each other."

"Lana's family and friends, Know that Lana is with our Savior Jesus the Christ."

"Mandy & Jeff - Steve and I were so sorry to hear about your Mom. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. While we did not have the pleasure of meeting your Mom, knowing that you are an extension of her, she must have been a great lady. Please let us know if you need any support."

"LR and Mandy- so sorry to hear of Lana's passing... I have a lot of loving memories of Lana from staying with her when she lived in Camanche watching Mandy to dancing up a storm at LR's Wheelhouse--will not be the same going up to see Dad and Lori without Lana sticking her head out the door saying " Whatcha doing over there" then laugh and give her little snort" oh how we loved Lana-- she will be so missed... "

"Mandy, Where do I start. I am still in shock. Your mom was an awesome lady that I loved dearly. She loved to take off to Dubuque with my mom and son Levi to go out for lunch at the chinese buffet. And Levi enjoyed her as well. She always had a smile on her face where ever she was, and her laugh I will never forget. And I will especialy miss her and mom this year at fair, the blloming onion and beer was always great . But I guess you and I will have to keep the tradition alive. I'm sure she was welcomed with open arms as mom met her. I will miss her dearly as I do my mom. ((((Hugs)))) Take care and you know I am only a phone call away!! Love ya!"

"I recently met Lana at Rhonda's day care...my little grand daughter Ilah adored her as I am sure many of the kids did. I am sure she has touched many lives, may fond memories embrace you during this sad time of great loss."

"To all, Just letting you know, you are in our thoughts and prayers. I remember when she came and picked up the kittys from us she had pictures to share with us all the time. So many Great Memories----she will be sadly missed but never forgotten..."

"LR and Mandy - so sorry to hear of Lana's passing. I have such lovely memories of Lana. She always had a hug and friendly smile when we saw each other. I remember the softball games we played in our yard with Lana and her friends, the races we had around the house, you had to watch the northeast corner- it could wipe you out, as well as my first ride on a tobagan on the hill between Beefy Johnson's house and the Bank. Lana was the driver and yes we wiped out! LOL We all went back to the house for hot cocoa... We had a lot of fun. Lana was a special angel and I will miss her very much. Love to all"

"Thoughts and prayers to all of you. God Bless."

"Was so shocked to hear of Lana's passing, I ran into Lana a few weeks ago and we had such a nice visit. My prayers and thoughts are with LR, Mandy and family. She will be missed by all that new her."

"Mandy...so sorry for your loss...I loved our St. Patty's day green beer with your mom..may she rest in peace..."

"So many memories of Lana in the Andrew library. It has been a while since I have seen Lana, however you wouldn't know it if you ran into her somewhere. She was so friendly- She was a very cool lady!!! Thoughts and prayers go out to her entire family!!!!"

"Mandy, I'm SO SORRY to hear about your Mom. You and she will always be my idea of how a GREAT mother/daughter relationship should be! I'm sending you big hugs my friend! Please take care and treasure all those GREAT memories you have!"

"Lana was a mom to us all. I just smiled thinking of her snort when she laughed. Time just goes way too fast....love and hugs to you Mandy."

"Mandy- My favorite memory of your mom is the day she kicked Chad and I out of study hall because we were "too close" for her liking :)...we just recently talked about that a few weeks ago at Ronda's. She was a great lady and I know Ronda loved having her around...the "bell sisters"...Ding and Dong...My kids loved it when "Lana Banana" was going to be at grandma Ronda's. Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. A great loss for so many..."

"Haven't seen Lana in years, but always enjoyed being around her!! Am so sorry for your loss!"

"Mandy, I'm so very sorry to hear about your mom. I remember seeing her at school events, she was such a nice lady. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers."

"Mandy, My deepest sympathy goes out to you! Lana was a great lady! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "

"mandy,l.r. and maggie i am so sorry for your loss.lana was a great lady.we used to have alot of fun when her mom and dad owned the bar in andrew.she will never be forgotten. rest in peace lana!!"

"Mandy, LR and Aggie, Paul & I are so very sorry to hear of Lana's passing. I just spoke with her on the phone shortly before Christmas and what a wonderful visit we had. She was such a good mentor for our daughter during her time at Andrew school and we will never forget her caring ways. The world lost a gem with her death, but God will take wonderful care of Lana. She only deserves the very best!!"

"My deepest sympathy to you all. I've only known Lana a few years but she was always such a joy to be around. She will be missed by so many. May God bless you all."

"Mandy, LR and family may god bring peace to you all during this time. Lana was a wonderful lady. May she rest in peace."

"The last time I saw Lana was two years ago. Lana was in my brother Bob's class. Since she worked at the school Bob, my brother Tom, and I went to her house in order to get the key to the Andrew School. Needless to say, Lana didn't have the key so the three of us brothers and her walked up and spent a couple hours with L. R.. We are in Mesa' Az. for the winter; otherwise, we'd attend her service. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lana's family."

"So sorry to hear this sad news, Mandy I wish you & your family my heart felt condolences at this time. May Peace be with you & your family. "

"Mandy, Your mother was a Godsend when you kids were in high school. I don't know how she put up with all the kids(especially my son) at her house all the time. She will be sadly missed."

"Family and Friends of Lana will always remember her for her vibrant and compassionate personality. I will remember her as a mentor. She was my neighbor for as long as I can remember and was always there for a friendly chat or even just a smile to make my day better. One thing I will always remember about Lana was the times we had outdoors. I can remember her hiding behind trees to scare me when I played outside. My deepest sympathy goes out to all that were blessed enough to know and spend time with Lana. "

"Mandy, L.R. and family - I am so sorry for your loss. May Lana rest in peace. God Bless to you all."

"Lana was a huge reason I was able to survive my experience as the fair queen in 2008!! The fair will never be the same without me and her chatting it up! Fair board meetings will be boring now.....the rebel corner will be lonely! I will miss you Lana......please say hello to my kitties and enjoy eternity with yours!!"

"Lana, I will certainly miss you. Your friendship was a priceless treasure over the years. I will remember the good times we had playing cards and laughing until tears would flow. Thanks for the memories! Mandy, if I can be of any help, just ask. Sympathies to Lynn too."

"Mandy (L.R. and Aggie) and family--Your mom was a special person. She knew how to be a good friend. I will miss her. Know that you have my sympathy and caring. I hope the love of those that your mom, Lana, touched will bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead. Meg"

"I am so very sorry to hear of Lana's passing! She was a wonderful woman who would do anything for anyone. She always treated me like I was family! Mandy if you need anything please call! Love you!"

"The warmth & love of Lana's smile and laugh will truly be missed. I love you Mandy. My heart goes out to you and your family. Gift of a Smile by Sylvia Larane Green © 1995 We only dwell here for a while; Why not hesitate to smile? Smiles are modest gifts to give; They make life easier to live. Smiles demand little energy? Just a simple curve of the lips. Someone's undivided attention This sight captures quickly firmly grips. Something special rests in a smile, Inspiring those along the way. It elevates a low spirit, Helping one have a better day. A smile bids another welcome By display of friendly greeting. It's a basic act of kindness, Deeming a person worth meeting. Something magic is in a smile, Connecting deep within the heart. A truly inviting gesture It is how relationships start. A smile is an expressive tool The ideal approach to best show What one is feeling down inside, When fitting speech seems not to flow. A smile is a precious jewel A demonstration of God's love, Letting others know you are blessed With the sweet presence of Him above. "

"Lana was our babysitter for quite some time.I always admired her for she was so pretty, and always smelled of doublemint gum. I would dream of being just like Lana when I grew up. I remember her walking around the yard with bobby pins holding down her curls by her ears, her white tennis shoes and her smile. Lana would yell out, "Hey whatcha doing over there?" Lana had done this for years and in fact did this just the last time I was up to see my parents. When we lost our mother, the Gnades who lived across the street from us for all of my childhood were the first to come over. LaVelma would bring us warm cinnamon rolls and would always watch us come home from school. A great family they were and still are, great friends, great neighbors and will always be considered part of our family. Lana I will miss you yelling from your yard or door, but thank you for being there for me. I will miss you and love you always. "