In loving memory of

Gerald R. "Jerry" Edwards
December 27, 1949 - August 30, 2018

Gerald R. "Jerry" Edwards, 68, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, August 30, 2018, at the Genesis Medical Center, East Campus in Davenport, Iowa.

A celebration of "Jerry's" life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, September 7, 2018 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Thursday, September 6, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa, with military honors.

Gerald Richard Edwards was born on December 27, 1949 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, to Corlile "Dick" and Arlene (Kopet) Edwards. He grew up in Maquoketa, attended Sacred Heart School, graduated from Maquoketa High School and attended some college classes. He then served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era stationed in Korea from August of 1969 until receiving an honorable discharge in April of 1971.

Upon returning home from his military service, he worked various jobs but most notably as a machinist working at the Rock Island Arsenal, Red Jacket and John Deere Dubuque Works.

"Jerry" was a lifelong Catholic and member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. He had taught CCD classes for many years. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and working on lawnmowers.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Alan (Shannon) Alexander of Bakersfield, CA, Bonnie (and significant other David Landis) Siegwarth of Lampasas, TX, Gene (Mary) Edwards of Maquoketa, IA, and Sara (Rob) DeSotel of Anamosa, IA; 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; brothers, John Edwards of Maquoketa, IA, Richard "Ike" (Lori) Edwards of Moline, IL, and Mark (Deb) Edwards of Maquoketa, IA; a sister-in-law, Edna Edwards of Maquoketa, IA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Ronald and a daughter Angela Alexander.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Gerald R. "Jerry" Edwards memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Tributes

chuck farnum wrote on Sep 5, 2018:

"To this day Jerry, I remember those (FLOUR/WATER/Cardboard) Houses we made in 5th Grade (at the Youth Center School)! What a MESS! I always enjoyed my time with you Jerry, and admired your spirit! I saw you last at a 69 Reunion and was so HAPPY you were there! When I moved back to Maquoketa to Coach VB (2002), you had a sweet little English convertible in your garage.....(for sale).....I have always regretted (NOT) buying it!! We connected as friends Jerry, and respected each other.........Thanks! Chuck Farnum...........you are FREE!"

Joe White wrote on Sep 4, 2018:

"I have many good memories of Jerry, growing up in Maquoketa! I've always known Jerry to be good-natured and always with a smile! Please accept my sincere condolences to the Edwards Family!"

Susan Devine Keeney wrote on Sep 3, 2018:

"I am so blessed to have had a 4 hr visit with him on New Years Day. We laughed and talked and prayed the entire time. We had so much fun at our 45th class reunion and were looking forward to the 50th next year. We who knew him well know that when he passed from this Life to the next Our Lord smiled , opened His arms and said ?Welcome home my good and faithful servant. "

Julia wrote on Sep 1, 2018:

"Forever in our hearts! Thank you Uncle for all the time you spent with me as a child. Thank you for always being just a phone call away when I needed you. I miss you already."

Richard and Pep Tracy wrote on Aug 31, 2018:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you... RIP Jerry........."