Memorial
Bruce McGrath said goodbye to his lifelong love, Judy, as he passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, surrounded by the family that was their greatest joy. Their collective story started when Bruce first met Judy at her school locker at St. Patrick’s High in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The world turned on its head for Bruce that day. He spent the next several years courting this woman of his dreams and they enjoyed the following 70 years hand-in-hand as they journeyed through what Bruce would often recount as a storybook kind of love affair. From their house on 25th Avenue in Marion where they raised 4 boys and 3 girls, to the home on a hill on Country Club Parkway in Cedar Rapids where those kids grew up and out, and further to their home away from home in Bodega Bay, California where the couple spent many winters away, Bruce and Judy were inseparable.
Bruce’s other passion was the business that was started by his father, H.B., a business that would ultimately become his life’s work, McGrath Pontiac. With his dad as his mentor and eventual business partner, Bruce learned the challenges of building a small family business from the ground up. Bruce’s infectious optimism and the fact that he never met a challenge he felt he and his team couldn’t conquer was a critical part of their success. Further, as the business steadily grew, Bruce took after his father ushering in the next generation, working alongside his brother Pat and oldest son Mike. Later in his career, Bruce took every opportunity to bring along younger members of the family, as a mentor and due always graciously giving his time and support. Watching the transformation of the family business from a small-ish lot in downtown Cedar Rapids to over a dozen dealerships across Eastern Iowa was something that brought Bruce tremendous pride. He, the family, and countless team members over the years had truly delivered on his father’s mantra of “The Sky is the Limit.”
A deeply religious man, Bruce often spoke of his blessings, the big ones as well as the small daily reminders of a God that was never far from his heart. His Catholic faith led to an enduring conviction to give back. Bruce saw opportunities to do just that as a longtime member of Mercy Medical Center’s Board of Trustees. In the area of Catholic education, Bruce stepped in at an important time and served as the chair of the first capital campaign for Xavier High School. That first effort would eventually lead to a community-wide response and the ultimate founding of Xavier supporting Catholic educations for future generations. Bruce and Judy were also unwavering supporters of the Catholic parishes they regularly attended. In a lifetime devoted to giving back, whenever Bruce saw a worthy project or cause, he was quick to raise a hand and contribute whatever time, talent and treasure was important to see it advanced.
In recent years, Bruce and Judy had the opportunity to support the newly expanded Hallmar Village, a center created to provide tailored care to the aging in their later stages of life. In what was a remarkable final chapter in Bruce’s story, he spent his final days under the care of the amazing team at Hallmar. The McGrath family cannot in words express their gratitude for the kind and compassionate care of Bruce in his final days and hours. You are a blessing to us.
In addition to his loving wife, Judy, Bruce is survived by his seven children, twenty grandchildren and six great grandchildren whose lives will be eternally touched by his wisdom, kindness and unconditional love.
Children: Mary and “JR” Rink; Mike and Lisa McGrath; Janet and Scott Satterlee; Sean and Maureen McGrath; David and Danielle McGrath; Brian McGrath and Ruby McGrath Donald; Maureen McGrath.
Grandchildren: Jeff, Dawn, William and Emma Rink; Murphy (Emily), Griffin, and Tucker (Kerriane) McGrath; Henry and Shea Satterlee; Brittany (Chris) Jordan, Allyse (Jeff) Riecke, and Jackson McGrath; Georgia, Magnus, and Daniel McGrath; Mats and Melody McGrath and Ben McGrath Donald; Louie and Wilson Faphimai.
Great Grandchildren: Maddie, Mae, Lucy, Raegan, Calvin, and Robby.
Siblings: Terry McGrath; Mary Stanford (Tom, deceased); Kathy and Jeff Kaiden; Pat McGrath (Mary Kay, deceased).
Memorials can be given in Bruce’s name to:
The Bruce and Judy McGrath Family Trust (
@gcrcf.org)
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, with Rev. Aaron Junge officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be held from 3:30-6:00 pm Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom where a rosary begins at 3:30 pm.