Obituary of Gerald R. Downey

Gerald R. “Jerry” Downey, age 83 of Iowa City died Sunday, September 26, 2021, at his home overlooking the Iowa River very much at peace. Gerald Richard Downey was born May 23, 1938, in Emmetsburg, Iowa the son of Joseph L. and Florence M (Harms) Downey. Following graduation from Algona High School he enlisted in the United States Army serving in the Special Forces Unit. Returning to Iowa he enrolled and later received his BA and MA degrees from the University of Iowa. On his lunch hour one day in July of 2007, he met his love of his life, Kathryn at the courthouse and they were married, then they both went back to work. One of Kathryn’s coworkers asked about the honeymoon, her comment was, living with Jerry every day is a honeymoon! Jerry worked for Mercy Hospital for many years. He was an avid reader especially if the topic was associated with the military. He appreciated and respected American Indian history especially collecting arrowheads. Jerry had a heart of gold and will be missed by all who knew him. His family includes his wife, Kathryn, stepchildren, Scot and Lee Plettenburg. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Karen Campbell. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm Friday, October 1, 2021, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, with burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City where military honors will be shared. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Thursday at funeral home. (Mask will be required when in the funeral home) In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Iowa City Hospice and the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.