"When Jerry and I think of Jerry Willey we remember his gentle voice, his calm demeanor and acceptance of everyone, wonderful friendship, positive attitude and great willingness to help others. We always enjoyed watching his happiness with Marie and family, and his deep love and friendship with Nick. Carol and Jerry Donahue"
In loving memory of
Gerald E. "Jerry" Willey
May 22, 1945 - November 29, 2020
Gerald E. "Jerry" Willey, 75 of Castle Pines, Colorado, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday morning, November 29, 2020, at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado.
Gerald Elzie Willey was born on May 22, 1945 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to John Marvin and Frances Marie (Widel) Willey. He was a 1963 graduate of Maquoketa High School and served his country in the United States Navy as a MM2 during the Vietnam War from 1963 - 1967. He married Connie Faye Current on August 11, 1968 in Baldwin, Iowa. A son Nick J. Willey was born to this union. Connie preceded "Jerry" in death on February 9, 1998.
Upon receiving an honorable discharge, "Jerry" returned to Iowa. In 1967, he began working at Caterpillar in Mount Joy, Iowa and later transferred to Mossville, Illinois, retiring in 1999 as a purchasing analyst after 32 years with Caterpillar.
While living in Maquoketa, "Jerry" was a member of the Maquoketa Fire Department as a volunteer for 13+ years and achieved the rank of Captain. He also enjoyed membership of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club in Maquoketa and later in Castle Rock, Colorado.
In retirement he moved to Colorado, to start a new chapter in his life with Marie Shanahan. While living in Colorado these past 17 years, he has enjoyed the natural beauty of the Centennial State. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking around Bear Lake, and viewing all the wildlife in its natural habitat. Estes Park, CO was his favorite getaway. He enjoyed spending quality time with his grandkids / great grandkids, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, traveling, cruises, and riding ATV's.
Those left to honor his memory include his son Nick J. Willey of Castle Rock, CO; his partner Marie Shanahan of Castle Pines, CO; a brother, Jack (Marilyn) Willey of Maquoketa, IA; sister, Rose Heiring of Dubuque, IA and Becky Wiese of Andrew, IA; Marie's children, Scott Sarver (Tanya) and their children, Brody & Mason of Parker, CO; Doug Sarver of Centennial, CO and his children Mietka Head & DevAnn DiOrio and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Connie, brothers Timothy, Robert and grandson Alexander Sarver.
Jerry would want us all to remember the good times, the laughs, and all the adventures. He loved all his friends & family. There will be a celebration of life when it is safe to gather in Iowa and Colorado.
Condolences and memorials may be sent to Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060 C/O Gerald E. "Jerry" Willey Family.
Due to the COVID -19 pandemic, a private family graveside service and burial celebrating Jerry's life will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa. It will be required to utilize face masks and to observe social distancing during the services. A private family visitation will be held at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. The service will be recorded and later uploaded to the Carson Celebration of Life Center website.
The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of support or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"Nick your dad was a special guy to all of us. We all enjoyed you guys coming out here to sit and relax. "
"So sorry for your loss. We feel blessed to have visited with Jerry in September. Allen & Helen Schnoor "
"Jerry?s passing has left a huge hole in my heart. The past 17 years have been amazing times!! We helped each other through many losses but this one I?m on my own. The day will come when I can continue on with our hopes and dreams with fond memories of all our adventures - driving the west coast and finding every lighthouse along the way - at first you humored me but by the 3rd one you were in as much as I. What fun we had!! Rest well, my love, your pain is gone and I will through mine. Marie"
"We loved our cousin Jerry he was such a sweet man he will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Nick and your family. ??Cousin Beth"
"It is clear that he will be greatly missed. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Jack, we are so sorry to hear of your brother\'s passing. "
"Joining you all in fondly remembering Jerry. He was a fine gentleman and a wonderful addition to our family. We will miss his equanimity, always-pleasant demeanor, fundamental decency and quiet but cheerful presence. Let\'s remember the life he lived, his generous contributions to all of us, and the examples he set and left. Deepest sympathies to Nick, Marie, Doug, Scott and the rest of the family. -- Craig Donahue"
"Jerry was a very good person to know. Connie and Jerry were both very special people and as a part of our family he will be missed by many. Rest in peace Jerry!!"
"My Dad Jerry was the nicest man I have ever met in life. He was not only my Father, but also my best friend. We had so many great experiences, got to go to the World Series, the US Open at Oakmont, Indy 500, Brickyard 400, the Kentucky Derby, and the list goes on & on including several memorable trips to the Bleachers at Wrigley Field to see his Cubs play my Cardinals! But the last live sporting event we experienced together was earlier this year here in Colorado....NHRA sanctioned Rodeo! Fishing, Hunting, ATVing, Camping, Boating, you name it we did it! I write this with tears in my eyes, but loving memories in my heart ??. RIP Dad. I love you! Your Son Nick "
"Good Man, good friend, good fisherman. God Bless. We will miss him. Sorry for your loss, Nick. "
"Sorry for your loss, a very nice man."
"I served with Jerry on the Maquoketa Fire Dept. He was a very kind and happy man. Sorry to hear about his cancer. Doug Gonner"
"Nick, Marie, Jack and the rest of the family, sending my sincerest condolences in the loss of Jerry. So many memories of Jerry at The Loft, such a great guy, a great sense of humor and always loved to visit. RIP Jerry, you will be sorely missed."
"We are next door neighbors of Marie and Jerry in Castle Pines. Haven\'t known him long, but we were very fond of Jerry. My husband, Phil and I often commented on what a genuinely nice guy he was. Always friendly and nice. He will be sorely missed. Every time I walk my dog by his front door. He was always sitting on his porch in his chair looking at the beautiful view of the mountains. Now his chair will be empty. RIP our friend. God\'s blessings to Marie and Nick and all of Jerry\'s family. Carol & Phil Finnegan."
"To Jerry\'s family , you have my deepest sympathy. He was a really nice guy and a valued member of the \"Class of 63\" RIP Jerry."
"So sorry for your loss. We will remember you in thoughts and prayers, Nick."
"We met Jerry about a year ago as we were looking at the property above his and Marie\'s ... super nice guy, so friendly and a great neighbor. He will truly be missed. Our deepest condolences to Marie, Nick and the family. Gary and Denise"
"Jerry and I haven?t really talked until the last reunion. I really connected for first time and wished the reunions aren?t so far apart. Rest In Peace clsssmate"
"Nick, tough time for you. thoughts and prayers from Indianapolis. Hang in there. Harry"
"I grew up with my cousin Jerry and have many fond childhood memories. He was a wonderful guy. In life we all go our separate ways and build our careers and family life so we lost touch in adulthood. Sending our thoughts and prayers to all of The Willey\'s. May your memories comfort you at this difficult time. Dick and Beth Willey"
"To Jerry\'s family and friends, wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. You and your loved ones will be in our thoughts and prayers. "
"As Marie?s sister I got to know Jerry very welcome. We bantered back and forth quite often. Jerry helped me out a lot as did he did all our family. Nice man to know and we love him very much??"
"As Marie?s sister I got to know Jerry very welcome. We bantered back and forth quite often. Jerry helped me out a lot as did he did all our family. Nice man to know and we love him very much??"
"As Marie?s sister I got to know Jerry very welcome. We bantered back and forth quite often. Jerry helped me out a lot as did he did all our family. Nice man to know and we love him very much??"