Obituary of Gerald Brumley

Gerald “Jerry” Brumley, 68, of Iowa City died at his home Thursday, August 31, 2017, following a lengthy illness with his wife and fur baby by his side.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service with burial to follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery where Military Honors will be bestowed.  (Casual attire is encouraged).  Visitation will be on Monday from 4 to 7pm at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in his memory.  To share a thought, memory or condolence please go to the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Gerald Allen Brumley was born April 9, 1949, in Iowa City the son of John E. "Ed" and Gladys P. (Rasmussen) Brumley.  Growing up in Iowa City he attended Iowa City schools graduating from City High School with the class of 1967.  Following graduation he enlisted with the United States Navy and served a tour of duty during the Vietnam War.  Returning to Iowa City he worked at his dream job, as a mechanic for a number of garages in town, Bob Bell’s Standard, Ron Shank and Joe Garringer. He then worked for the University of Iowa Fleet services retiring in 2014 after 25 years of service. During his time at Fleet Services he enjoyed driving the Hawkeye buses for many athletic teams. Jerry loved cars, and knew them like few do. 

Jerry was united in marriage to Linda Kathleen Rhodes on August 1, 1987 at. St. Mary’s Catholic Church here in Iowa City.  Linda was not only Jerry’s wife, but his best friend, supporting so much that they enjoyed doing together.  His passion for stock car racing, RC cars, motorcycles, the outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing, was just who he was.  He was the one who could make something out of nothing, if you needed anything he was there.  There was never a stranger in Jerry’s life, he got to know everyone around him and your life was better because of this.  He lived, he loved, and he will always be remembered for his huge heart and his many stories.

His family includes his wife, Linda; brother, John and Ramona Brumley of Riverside; and sister, Florence Haney of Cedar Rapids; sisters and brothers–in law; Diane Meyer (Bruce), Cindy Neuzil (Mike), Bev Wenman (Ron), Susan Elder, Bob Rhodes (Melissa), and Randy Rhodes (Karen); numerous nieces and nephews and his little fur baby, Heidi; who was forever at his side.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, his in-laws and 2 nephews Scott Brumley & Chris Bok, with whom he is now probably having a beer in heaven, planning their next project.