Memorial

Gloria Delores Rodriguez Kolter passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on July 10, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Friday, July 17, 2026, at Cedar Memorial Park Family Center and Library.

Gloria was born on March 11, 1931, in Nebraska, the daughter of Juan and Lydia (Saldivar) Rodriquez. She graduated from McKinley High School in Cedar Rapids. Gloria was an Original Papa Juan’s starter. She also helped CJ get started when they opened. She loved the Hawkeyes, fishing, festivals, and the Casino. She was always going to “her church.”

Survivors include her children, Debra Strope (Wreery) of Springfield, IL, Cindy (Scott) Nye of Cedar Rapids, Tracy (Frank) Calderon of Portland, OR, and Danny Johnson of Portland, OR; 8 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; sisters, Ramona Vasquez of Cedar Rapids and Millie Stearns of Cedar Rapids; adopted son, James Eddy; special niece, Carmen; and closest friend, Connie.

Preceding her in death were her parents; Juan and Lydia Rodriquez; children, Michael, Janis, and Raelee; grandson, Allan (JR); brothers, Johnny, Mike, Al, Rudy, Bobby, and Henry; and sisters, Grace, Flo, and Rosie.