Obituary of Jerry R. Stewart

Jerry R. Stewart, age 74, of rural Oxford died at his home Wednesday, December 14, 2005. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 17, 2005, at the First Christian Church in Coralville with the Revernd John McKinstry officiating. Burial will be at the East York Cemetery, near Jerry’s home. Visitation will be from 3 to 7pm Friday at the church. Online condolences may be snet for his family through our website @www.gayandciha.com. Jerry Richard Stewart was born on February 10, 1931 in Marshalltown, Iowa, son of Samuel D. Stewart and Rhoda L. (Gifford) Stewart.Following graduation from high school Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy serving during the Korean Conflict. He married Marilyn J. Marquis August 5th 1951, in Marshalltown, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with four sons, Mark, Sam, Eric and Scott. After serving in the Navy he and his wife lived near Swan Lake, North Liberty, Iowa where the four boys were raised. Jerry was employed with Procter & Gamble for twenty one years, later farming, selling livestock minerals and working part time at Wal-Mart until his illness. He loved music, playing guitar, talking to people and making new friends. Above all he loved spending time with his family. If you had a little extra time he would be more than happy to school you in a game of cards! Jerry was a long time member of the First Christian Church, Iowa City/Coralville. He was a member of the American Legion Post 537 of Oxford. For many years Jerry and his friends entertained the elderly at many nursing homes in the community. He had a great love for Old Time Country and Gospel Music and enjoyed going to Blue Grass festivals jamming with his friends well into the night. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, his four sons and their families. Mark, wife Sandy (Gegenheimer) with sons Luke and Casey, Sam, wife Wendy (Beard) with son Joe, daughter Victoria and husband Roger Byers and great granddaughter Shelby, Eric, wife Theresa (Hoyt) with daughter Sara, son Chad and daughter Kate, Scott with sons Joshua and wife Debbie (Ball), Jacob and daughter Audrey. One brother, Darrell and wife Jean of Minnesota, two sisters, Donna and husband Mike Lukehart of Marshalltown Ia, and Susan and husband James Freland of State Center Ia. Many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Rhoda Stewart, sister Ethel Hazel and daughter-inlaw Debra Stewart. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Oxford and Iowa City is caring for Jerry’s family and his services.