Obituary of Amy J. Buzalsky

Amy J. Buzalsky, 38, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Friday, November 25, 2016 at home, surrounded by her family’s love. A memorial service will begin at 6 p.m., Wednesday November 30th at the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, where visitation will be prior to the service, from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday. Memorials in Amy’s name may be made to the AIS-DSD (Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome - Disorder of Sex Development) support group or the Children’s Cancer Connection. Amy Josephine Gerard was born October 3, 1978 in Iowa City; daughter of John and Arlene (Kahler) Gerard. She graduated from Iowa City West High School with the class of ’97 and went onto study at Kirkwood, Wartburg and St. Louis University where she would earn her Masters in Social Work, continuing her life-long calling of caring for and helping others, a calling and a gift which brought her immense joy. On October 9, 2010, Amy married the love of her life, Leo Buzalsky in Solon. She worked throughout the Iowa City area helping others live better lives, at Goodwill, Reach for Your Potential, and most recently at the Hope Lodge. She had also recently served on the board with the AIS-DSD support group. Her family includes her husband Leo; parents, John and Arlene Gerard of North Liberty; brother, Matt Gerard and his wife, Heather of Coralville and their children, Matthew and Jacob Birely and Ben and Rachael Gerard; Leo’s parents, Frank and Lorrie Buzalsky of Amidon, ND; his brother, Michael Buzalsky of Bowman, ND and his grandparents, Eugene and Joann Miller; as well as her 4-legged family members, Bailey and Tyson. Amy was preceded in death by her grandparents, which include her grandmother, Bernice Kahler with whom she shared a close relationship.