Obituary of Joyce A. Gerleman

Joyce Ann Gerleman, PhD, died on April 6, 2020, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She is survived by her husband David and daughter Gina, a sister Carolyn (Gary) Myers, sisters-in-law Lu Ann Patten (Terry), Barbara (Bill) Hamann and Carol O’Brien (Dan) and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, George and Mary Kofron and her father-in-law, Gus Gerleman, and his wives, Inez Snitker and Mary Catherine Leinen. Joyce graduated from Cedar Rapids Jefferson (1966) and Coe College (1970) majoring in organ and history. Joyce will be remembered by the hundreds of elementary students to whom she taught music, dance and performance for 33 years, first at St. Pius X and then in the Cedar Rapids Public Schools. As a youthful music professional, Joyce loved performing as a dancer and character actor in the Cedar Rapids Follies. Joyce and David purchased a farm and built a home in rural Swisher where she would love and care for her husband, daughter, and many rescued pets. Family and Friends will cherish memories of Joyce as a sweet, kind, generous, gracious and endearing wife, mother and friend. The Dr. Joyce Kofron Gerleman Music Education Award has been established at Coe College. Memorial contributions can be made to the Coe College Office of Advancement, c/o Debbie Green, 1220 First Avenue, NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. The Funeral and Celebration of Life are postponed pending resolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. To share a thought, memory or condolence with Joyce’s family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.