Edwards, Ger A. (1958-2020)

EDWARDS, JOHANNSEN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 6/1/2020 at 10:54:56

GER A. EDWARDS Urbana
Ger A. Edwards, 62, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, exploring the river he loved. Ger was born May 20, 1958, in Spencer, to Gerald and Gloria (Pullen) Edwards. Ger graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in Des Moines. He began his college education in Yankton, S.D., and went on to earn Bachelor of Arts degrees in English as well as radio and TV at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. There he connected with his schoolmate, Tara Johannsen. They were married at Palisades Kepler State Park on May 19, 1990. Ger was a lifelong learner and after finishing his 25-year career in local TV news, his interests turned to reading and researching the wonders of the world and outer space. Photography continued to be his passion, as it had been from an early age, and he documented the great outdoors with his outstanding photography. Ger also was passionate about the care of his aging mother so he, along with Tara, lovingly cared for her in their home for five years until her passing in 2018. Tragically the river took our extraordinary husband, brother, uncle and friend. Ger's brilliant humor and compassionate conversation brought laughter and smiles to everyone who was fortunate to know him. Ger's friends say he was kind, funny, opinionated, wild, crazy, loving and lovable. He never met a stranger. Ger was known for his laid-back demeanor as an award-winning photojournalist. He shot video that was recognized with a George Foster Peabody Award in 1994. He is survived by his wife, Tara Johannsen, and her mother, Sonia Johannsen; brother, Terry (Janet) Edwards of Waukee; sister, Sherry (Vidar) Andresen of Katy, Texas; sisters-in-law, Jodi (Gary) Shearer of Eddyville, Barb (Dave) Williams of Boise, Idaho, Diane (Ed) Emmel of Boise, Idaho, and Susie (Mike) Butler of Grimes; his nephews, Jan-Michael (Holli) Andresen, Kristofer (Aubrey) Andresen, Nick (Courtney) Edwards, Joe (Marc) Edwards, Mike Edwards, Matt (Jamie) Butler, Eric (Ashley) Butler, Neal (Stephanie) Williams, Jesse (Nicole) Shearer; niece, Olivia (Chad) Cooper; long-time friends, Dave Towne, Scott Hytone, Trace Mossman, Jim Grawe, Wade Wagner, Cary J. Hahn, Doug Skonord, Cindy Skonord and Coby Skonord; faithful dogs, Spencer and Vicki; cat, Chesterfield; and so many others that touched his life. He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Aaron Williams; faithful dogs, Tasha, Buster, Audrey, Boo and Chiclet; and crazy cat, Kizzy. Ger loved his pets dearly and was very proud of the forest he had created from nothing on his property. Please send memorials to the Humane Society, plant a tree in his name or just do a deed to make the world a better place. He forever will be loved and missed. Due to the virus outbreak, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Online Condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com .

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Published in The Gazette on Jun. 1, 2020.