Gerald L. (Jerry) Nordquist
NORDQUIST, RUMME, LAWSON, REITEMEIER, ZUKIN
Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 2/26/2024 at 07:52:21
Gerald L. (Jerry) Nordquist, 93, of North Liberty, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 26, 2024 at The University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. A private remembrance for family and friends will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Society in Coralville at a later date.
Jerry was born on April 1, 1930, to Joseph and Irene (Rumme) Nordquist in Fort Dodge, Iowa. As a young man, Jerry spent his free time engrossed in his schoolwork, as a member of music and theater clubs, and traversing the natural beauty of northern rural Iowa to hunt and fish with his father and brothers. His naturally curious and adventuresome spirit drew him to some thrilling pastimes, including riding his Indian motorcycle and motorboating on Lake Okoboji. After graduating from high school in 1948, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. In 1950, he enrolled at the University of Iowa where he completed his B.S. in Commerce and Science. As an outstanding graduate student, he was awarded a Rotary Foundation fellowship and, in the fall of 1957, sailed to England on the Queen Mary to study for one year at the London School of Economics. His year in London prompted a life-long passion for travel and cultural experiences abroad.
He received his Ph.D. in 1960 from the U. of I. College of Business Administration, where he continued his career as a professor of economics, until his retirement in 1997. Jerry held a particular interest in teaching courses on the history and evolution of Soviet and communist economies. He participated in several academic tours to Russia and China.
Jerry met the love of his life, Carol Lawson on a blind date arranged by their college roommates. They married at Danforth Chapel on September 13, 1959. The couple grew their family with the addition of daughters Lynda (1960) and Diane (1962) to their home in Iowa City. Upon retirement, they built their “home in the woods” in rural North Liberty, from which they made memorable trips around the world.
Through the years, Jerry was an active and supportive member of the Unitarian Universalist Society. In retirement, he lent his mellow voice to Iowa City Senior Center’s “Voices of Experience” chorus. Jerry and Carol made regular trips to the Lyric Opera in Chicago. Together, they also volunteered at the therapeutic riding program Miracles in Motion. Jerry loved taking family vacations to the mountains and enjoyed downhill skiing up until his 80th year. He savored his time at the family cabin in northern Wisconsin, doing carpentry and working with his tools. He also enjoyed cooking gourmet meals and having coffee with his friends.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and brother Bob Nordquist. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol of North Liberty; two daughters, Lynda Nordquist of Thornton, CO and Diane (Patrick Reitemeier) Nordquist of Minneapolis, MN; cherished granddaughter, Laurel Nordquist-Zukin of Parker, CO; brother, Dr. Jim (Judy) Nordquist of Rock Island, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
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