Obituary of Gerald John O'Brien

Gerald J. “Jerry” O’Brien, age 79 of Iowa City died Saturday, June 19, 2021 at the Oaknoll Retirement Community in Iowa City. Jerry was born July 13, 1941, in Cascade, Iowa the son of Donald and Mary (Krall) O’Brien. His family moved to Cedar Rapids where he graduated from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School in 1960, he then went on to the University of Iowa graduating in 1964. He spent his career working over thirty years for the University of Iowa. Jerry enjoyed his life, an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, listening to classical music, playing in multiple bridge clubs, reading especially anything about history and a good spy novel, sharing his knowledge and thoughts with family and friends, and in retirement especially enjoyed traveling abroad, to Australia and Czechoslovakia. His family includes his brother, Stephen (Steve) O’Brien (Michelle); nephews, Andrew (Andy) O’Brien (Ashley) and Trenton “TJ” O’Brien; great-nephew, Conner; cousin, Julie McNeal and husband Tim Bren lifelong friends, Dick and Karen Schultschik and John and Mary Jo Langhorn. He was preceded in death by his parents. Jerry’s family would like to express sincere thanks to all the staff at Oaknoll Retirement Community and Iowa City Hospice for their love, support and compassion towards Jerry, his family and friends. Graveside services will be held at 1:00pm, Monday, June 28th at the Czech National Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. (use Bowling Street Entrance) In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in his memory to the Stead Children’s Hospital in Iowa City. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.