Jerry O'Connor
July 31, 1937 ~ October 4, 2016
Harold Jerome 'Jerry' O'Connor, 79, of Cedar Rapids, died on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 8, 2016, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Reverend Philip Thompson. Visitation: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Irene; children, Patrick (Angie) O'Connor of Cedar Rapids; Jolene (Mark) Myers of Waukee, Janelle (Steve) Roe of Cedar Rapids, Janine (Brian) Glass of West Des Moines; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Jerry was born July 31, 1937, to William and Katherine (McGuire) O'Connor, in Winthrop, Iowa, and grew up on the family farm. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was a proud member of American Legion Post 298 as well as the Knights of Columbus. He married Irene Rueter on July 2, 1966, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, where they were long-time members, and enjoyed raising their family of four over the next 50 years.
A farm kid at heart, Jerry was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes as well as the Chicago Cubs, and loved watching birds of all types. He truly appreciated retirement, and spent much of his time sharing stories and his deep love of history. He was a kind-hearted, easy-going person who never knew a stranger and never complained, smiled easily, and laughed often. An Irish guy, Jerry enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Leon O'Connor, Marian Evans, and Joe O'Connor.
Memorials may be directed to Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.
Please share your support and memories with Jerry's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We will miss Jerry’s smile and laugh. He was always a happy person. He is leaving a wonderful family behind him. He is now at peace suffering for a long time with emphysema.
Phil & Diana Schilling & family
He was a kind gentle man who was fun loving and a joy to be around. I will miss him so, but glad he is not suffering any more. I’m proud to call him more then a father in law, but a friend. Rest in piece Jerry. Go Cubbies… (He knows how much it hurt me to type that.) 🙂
Irene and Family;
It’s been many years since the days on the farm for all of us. I know how us kids enjoyed your visits back to see Katie and your family and ours always visited. Those were the days and where did they go? So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing but I’m glad he no longer has to suffer. My sincere condolences go out to all of you.
The oldest Fank girl that lived across old HWY 20
Thanks so much Mary Ann. The memories on grandma’s farm with you guys are wonderful. We loved the days when we got to be farm kids. So memorable. Dad will be missed but he is at peace. Always a farmer at heart. Thanks again. Jolene Myers.
Growing up, the highlight of the summer was when you guys would come to stay (camp) at Katherine’s house. So many memories and always a smile when I think of those times. It meant so much to Dad when you guys visited him. They knew each other for so long. Our hearts are heavy for your loss. What a great guy! Prayers to your whole family
Thank you so much for the kind words and great memories. My siblings and I always had a great time with you all. We loved coming across the highway to play. Thanks again. Jolene Myers-oldest daughter.
Isabel says Grandpa Jerry I love & miss you so much.