"He was a great father to Tawny and Aldon. He left Kaye with great memories. He sure will be missed."
In loving memory of
Gerald Risden
September 29, 1931 - March 16, 2024
Gerald Eugene Risden, 92, of Gilbert passed away on March 16, 2024. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23, at 10:30 a.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care (414 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa 50010) In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a memorial donation to the Iowa Heart Association and Gilbert Fire Department.
Gerald was born on September 29, 1931, to Gary and Alice Liston, in Maquoketa, Ia. At 9, Gerald's dad (Gary) passed away. Alice then married Frank Risden. Frank adopted the (6) children.
He attended Maquoketa High School Class of 1950.
After primary education, he went on to Join the United States Navy and served honorably from November 16, 1952, to March 22, 1956.
After he returned from his service, Gerald married Kaye Calmer on October 5, 1957. The two would be blessed with their children Aldon and Tawny.
He served on the Gilbert Fire Department for over 20 years (1965 to 1985) and as the Gilbert mayor from 1981 to 1985.
Gerald worked at the Iowa State University Power Plant for 32 years (1962 to 1994). Ultimately serving as Operations Manager.
Gerald loved to spend his free time fishing, especially his annual Salmon fishing trips to Lake Michigan. He would take this trip for over 30 years always accompanied by his close friends and later his children.
He and Kaye enjoyed also spending time gardening.
Left to cherish Gerald's memory is his wife Kaye, and children: Aldon, and Tawny (Kreg) Longnecker, grandchildren: Gered (Michelle) Burkhardt and Aldon Risden Jr. and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Alice (Howard) Liston-Risden and Frank Risden, and siblings Annabelle, Vincent, Martha, Donna, Barb, and Mary.
Online condolences can be made to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"I remember my Uncle always laughing and making everyone around him laugh, but, he always had the cat eating the canary smile on his face! Prayers for him to close the circle and love to Aunt Kaye, Alden and Tawny and their children."
"Our sincere sympathy and heartfelt thoughts Kaye and Tawny and to all your family in the loss of your loved one. Gerald lived a long life and has left you many cherished memories. May they ease the emptiness you feel and bring smiles to warm your hearts. We will remember Gerald fondly. Bob and Sharon Siebels"
"Kay - so very sorry to learn of the loss of you husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep your memories close to your heart and he will always be with you. Beverly Allen Zylstra "
"Sending Deepest Sympathy to Kay , Aldon & Tawny and there entire family?s! In loss of Gerald ! RIP: Gerald????"