Gerald Dean Race (1949-2021)

RACE, NELSON

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 10/4/2021 at 15:00:41

Obituary
Gerald (Jerry) Dean Race, age 72 of Cape Coral, Florida, formerly of Moline, IL, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2021, in Hope Hospice House, Cape Coral, Florida, with his loved ones at his bedside after battling cancer.

Jerry was born May 15, 1949 in Moline, IL. He grew up on Friendship Farm Road, East Moline. He graduated from United Township High School. When Jerry was working at Eagles he met Linda Nelson and they were married on May 16, 1970 at First Christian Church, East Moline.

He began his career at International Harvester (Farmall) as a welder in Rock Island, IL. He then worked 20 years for the state of Illinois as a supervisor in the department of transportation. Retiring in 2006. For the last 10 years he and his fiancé, Vickie, enjoyed their time on Fyre Lake and Cape Coral.

Jerry loved playing golf, riding his Harley and boating. He was the Jack of ALL trades. He recently remodeled his Florida home. He built many things from scratch, the grandchildren’s cradle, their swing sets, he even built a car just given to him in parts.

His quick witted Jerryisms were often teasing his grandkids. “If I had known you were coming, I would have locked the door”.

Fun-loving, hardworking, handy, patient, son, husband, dad, papa, brother, and friend to all walks of life ALWAYS giving the shirt off his back.

Visitation will be 4-6pm October 1st, 2021, at Rafferty Funeral Home, 2111-1st St A, Moline, IL. A private family service will be 10am, Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Rafferty Funeral Home, where his live-streamed service can be viewed on Rafferty Funeral Home’s Facebook page. Everyone is welcomed for a Celebration of Life at Casey’s, 1512-15th Street Moline 4-8 pm.

He is survived by Daughters; Melissa Race Rice (Duff), of Naperville, IL. Wendy Magnuson Mulligan of La Grange, IL. Fiancé; Vickie Vander Beke of Cape Coral, formally Sherrard, IL, her son; Nathen (Lisa) of Port Byron, IL. Sister-in-law; Tara Race of Louisville, IL. Grandchildren; Quin, Keefe, Drew, Braden, Maeve, Griffin and Hunter.

Preceded in death wife; Linda Race (Nelson). Parents; Gerald & Virginia Race. Siblings; Holly & Rick.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to Iowa City’s Childserve.org on behalf of services for children with Autism.

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