Gerald E. Willey (1945-2020)

WILLEY, WIDEL, CURRENT

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 12/7/2020 at 14:37:14

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.

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.

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 ATVs.

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.

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.